Matthew 6:5-8 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synogogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like the Pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (NIV)
Did you know that prayer was a major priority in Jesus' life here on earth? He often went to communicate with his Father "alone" after he had spent the day surrounded by huge crowds, who came to listen to his messages, and receive healing for their various ailments. Jesus knew that prayer was important in order to do the will of God. Even though he was God and man, he still submitted to the will of his Father. Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death--even death on the cross!
So why did Jesus pray when he was God himself? Even though Jesus was God, he was still subjected to the temptations of the flesh as a regular man. Also, in order for Jesus to have set an example for us to follow, he had to become just like us in order to fulfill the Father's plan of redemption. Jesus knew that prayer was the only way to receive the power that he needed to accomplish his mission on earth. Communication with the Father gave him what he needed just as a socket gives a plug the juice it needs to run. Without it, your device (Spiritual life) is dead.
Jesus was clear to let us know not to be like the heathens and babel to God for the sake of doing something, because He already knows what we are in need of before we ask. Some people may get intimidated when it comes to prayer because they feel as if they do not have enough eloquent words to speak to the Father. They may listen to others who pray long powerful prayers and feel as if they do not have what it takes to get a prayer through. However, God is not concerned with the quantity of your words as He is with the quality of them. He wants you to have an open line of communication with Him because He is in "relationship" with you. Just as it takes communication for any relationship to succeed, it is the same way with God. Your walk with Him is only as strong as your prayer life. A dead prayer life means a dead Spirit life.
A simple prayer from the heart is all that is required from God and this is why Jesus gave a prayer for us to follow, so that we would know that anyone can come before the throne of Grace and receive God's favor. Matthew 6:9-13 "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, you kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (NIV) Try talking to God every day before you begin your day. He will help you and is always there to hear what you have to say. He is never too busy. You will never be put on hold. And when you think that He may not be listening, that 's when He tends to show up.
No comments:
Post a Comment