One-minute read.
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.
“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. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:6-8
Prayer connects us to the Lord, and the more we talk to Him, the more intimate our relationship becomes. But God doesn’t want us to use prayer to impress others. Public versus private prayer tests our motives. Praying more in public than private could indicate your motives have more to do with what people think than what the Lord does. Sincere, heartfelt prayers in private reveal a heart that desires intimacy with God over people’s praise, and the Lord hears them.
Secondly, praying long, empty prayers to impress others doesn’t impress God. Our Creator knows our needs before we do. In my book, Three Word Prayers for Everyday Living, I tell how short prayers helped me overcome anger issues and deal with difficult emotions by connecting with God and allowing Him to transform my heart. Seeking the Lord through prayer acknowledges our weaknesses, taps into His strength, and causes transformation, leading to a new life in Christ.
God hears our pleas, bending to listen to our heartfelt prayers said in private. We don’t need an audience to connect with the Lord; we need a heart set on Him. Desiring communication with us, God knows our needs and fulfills them when we trust Him. Develop an intimate relationship with God through prayer and discover life fully with Jesus. Pray in private, and let the Lord amaze you with His answers.
Application:
God desires an intimate relationship with you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for hearing our prayers and checking our heart’s motives. Please help us draw closer to You as we come to You with our desires. Let us align our hearts with Yours as we diligently seek You.
IJNIP. Amen
