How Not To Pray

Monday, June 17, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day:   Psalm 103:13

As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

Memory verse: Psalm 90:14

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.  

Today's reading:  NEHEMIAH 10-11 ACTS 4:1-22

When You Pray

How not to pray...

Don't pray like someone you have heard at church because you liked the way it sounded. This is meant with no disrespect. I have heard some folks who really know how to pray and they pray some beautiful prayers. I often call on our people to pray at church because I love the spirit in which they pray. Their humility before God or their familiarity with God. You can hear that they pray often. They know the one with whom they speak.

But Jesus taught the disciples, and us, to not pray like the church leaders of the day. Why?

Matthew 6:15-"5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."

Number 1-Do not pray in your pride. Pride has no place before the throne of God. When we hallow God's name-when we voice our great reverence for God, there is no room for self admiration.

Number 2- Don't pray rehearsed or 'used' prayers

“And when you pray,” Jesus teaches next, “do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7).

Empty words? How often have we heard, "Lord thank you for this day"?

The point is: get serious about the words you say to our Holy God. Don't say empty and tired words. How bored are you of 'small talk' with people? "How are you? Blah, blah, blah...?" Then why do you talk to God that way?

"Dear Lord, Thank you for this day"?!

Be real and humble and talk to your very best friend about reality.

Number 3-Talk to God-about Him-first. Think of all you can say about Him. Pray simple Psalms to Him but talk to Him.

Psalms 9:9,10

9 It is You who judge the world with justice,

    who judge the peoples with fairness.

10 You are a stronghold for the oppressed,

    a stronghold in times of trouble.

Lord, my God, Your will be done.”

Number 4- Relax There is no one who enjoys time with you more than God. When you believe that, He will let you know what to say and when.

...because He loves you...

...as He loves us all...

Father in Heaven,

Holy and great God and Lord of all, forgive me my empty words. I want to please You so I will be quiet and listen. I know You will let me know what to say as I focus on You and Your righteousness. Faithful and constant God of mercy,

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen