Bible

The Word 2.2.09

Prayer is a real area of struggle for many Christians including myself. It is easy to neglect amidst the list of things to do each day. It is easy to push aside because it seems to provide little immediate benefit or satisfaction in comparison to other things. Yet prayer is one of the most powerful aspects of our faith. Being able to pray to the Creator of all things is a mind-blowing idea and reality. We fail to take advantage of such a blessing. I fail to take advantage of such a blessing. So how shall we pray? What mindset should we take on? What does it look like?

Hypocrisy is a stumbling block to many people in regards to Christianity. Though we cannot completely avoid sin, we must make every effort to avoid creating stumbling blocks for anyone who comes into contact with us. We should pray with humility. We should pray with the intent to speak to the Father and honor Him. We shall avoid hypocrisy when we make much of Jesus and little of ourselves.

Matthew 6:5-14 (ESV)

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

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