Scripture:
Matthew 6:5-13 NKJV
[5] “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. [6] But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. [7] And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. [9] In this manner, therefore, pray: 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 forgive our debtors. [13] And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Observation:
There is honestly no better teacher than the Holy Spirit. I want you to know as you read these SOAPS that I am a baby Christian. I haven’t been at it long. So I am learning as I go. I have read over these verses many times and still at times miss what is being said. I also get somewhat confused because I have read the bible several times and know that it says when two more agree on any one thing, it shall be done, so I believe in corporate prayer as well. But I’m looking at verse 5, and it says do not be like the hypocrites who stand in the synagogue and on the street corner and pray. That they may be seen by man. Assuredly, I say to you they have already received their rewards. This statement catches my attention because the last thing I want to be is a hypocrite. So, I wanted to get back to the root of what is being said. These are letters that have been written in red if you have that kind of bible. So that should give you some kind of indication of their importance. Let’s take a look at what Jesus is saying. Because I think it runs a little deeper than just standing on the corner or in the synagogue and praying. HE is really saying why are you praying? Is it to be seen, or is it because you honestly want GOD’S will in the situation? If the latter part of that is the truth, then verse 6 is the key to how all that should go down. HE says that when you pray, go into a room and close the door, and pray in private. We see HIM exhibit this behavior as HIS walk on earth is shown to us throughout scripture. Several times, we see Jesus go off by HIMSELF. We can only assume after this statement that it’s to converse with the Father. In fact, even in the garden right before HE is arrested, HE goes a distance away from the disciples to pray. The end of verse 7 also catches my attention. The Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly. Now I just want to go on record here. I don’t believe that Jesus is speaking against corporate prayer. What I do believe HE is saying is to check your motives. Why are you doing it? Do you want to be seen by man, or do you want the Father’s will? HE goes on to say, “Do not be like them.” Babbling with a bunch of words. The father knows what you need. Just above the scripture that was chosen this morning in your bible, the key to all this was brought out, so I encourage you to go back and read it starting in verse 1. The outline that Christ gives for prayer is pretty simple. But I believe it gets repeated like some kind of chant at times, and the point of it gets missed. HE says at the beginning pray LIKE this. Meaning in like manner or, in a similar way, or use this outline for prayer… because the Father knows what you need. The first thing HE does is recognize the Father for who HE is and establish HIS position of authority and holiness. Then HE makes sure the purpose of the prayer is right out front. It’s about GOD’S kingdom being established here on earth just like it is in heaven, and HIS will be done. Here, as well as in heaven. Asking only for the needs of the day and to be forgiven for our failures and allowing us to forgive those who have sinned against us. Not to mention helping us with our sinful desires. By leading us away from temptation and delivering us from evil. Then HE goes back to where HE started by reestablishing that the Father is the ultimate authority. The outline is powerful, and I believe that when we submit ourselves to the authority of the Father and check our motivation for doing the things we do. We can’t go wrong.
Application:
As I have dove into ministry over the past several years, I have noticed how easy it is to get a look-at-me mentality. It’s something I really guarded myself from in the beginning for sure. I honestly feel like there’s not a problem with stepping back and taking a look at how things have progressed and making sure your motivation is still for the kingdom. In fact, I believe it’s a requirement. We have to be really careful to know that it’s just not about us and what we do. Remaining humble when everyone is patting you on the back can be difficult. I have to say that what people think of you can not be your motivating factor. If you are not in it for GOD’S will, pride will take you down. Look at what the bible says when we get a look-at-me mentality. Proverbs chapter 16 verse 18 says pride comes before a fall and a haughty spirit before destruction. The Bible also says that he who elevates himself will be humble, and he who humbles himself will be elevated. I say all this because. I have had a tendency in the past to have a look-at-me mentality. But this walk with Christ has nothing to do with me. Remembering that HE is the focus has to be the priority. That can honestly never change, and if it does hold on. Because a fall is coming. In all our righteousness, we are but filthy rags. Nothing we do compares to what HE has done for us. The ground is completely level at the foot of the cross. Not one of us needs to think that we are any better or any worse than anyone else. We are all sinners saved by grace. That’s it. I don’t know about you, but I do want my prayers answered. I have a deep desire to be the man that GOD made me to be. So, for me, it’s vital that I put down who I think I am and pick up Jesus christ and HIM crucified.
Prayer:
Father, it’s easy to look at what you have used us to do and think… wow, look what I have done. But this walk is not about us. Help us to remain rightsized. Keep us always looking to you, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us never think of ourselves as better than. Give us meekness and humility. Show us how to elevate you and not ourselves. Because honestly, without you, you can do nothing good. We are sinful by nature and prideful at the core. That’s why your word tells us it’s all about what HE did, and nothing we do can change that. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus christ, not by works. Let’s no man boast. We are save for goes works not by them. It’s honestly all about you and your kingdom. Let that be seem in how we live. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.