(Matthew 6:5-7)
5 “And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.7 “And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY
Many people practice "religion", going through the motions of do's and don'ts. Some of it is simply performative, in order to get the attention, appreciation and adoration from those around them. This comes from a selfish, manipulative heart, and these are the types of people who will start cults, in order to have followers to do their bidding.
Other people will go through the motions religiously and/or superstitiously, because they really believe that somehow they will appease, gain something, and/or earn favor with the universe, or some form of god or gods. Even in yoga, for example, some instructors might direct people to meditate, empty their minds, and/or repeat some mantra (which will be a name of a god). By all means, do (yoga) stretches. Just don't get caught up in the religion of it.
In Christianity, according to God's word (the Bible), our salvation and relationship with the Lord God is very personal! And the Lord, who is all-loving and caring, fair and just, AND sovereign (all-knowing, all-power and everywhere present) should be our main focus in life. Afterall, He is our everything! He saved us, and He alone completes us, and He alone equips, satisfies and fulfills us! But also, just like with any relationship, especially a relationship that means something, there will always be continuous and constant two-way communications.
The whole purpose of creating us, was to have a close, personal relationship! God is real. And His intentions are real. God has already written us a "love letter" to us, which is inerrant, relevant, applicable and totally life changing! So, would we not want to be reading and studying that every day? And as believers, He has given us His indwelling Holy Spirit to convict, guide and help us! So, would we not want to be listening to His infallible wisdom and insights, and trust in and rely on His help? AND, not only that, God WANTS to hear from us!
The sovereign Lord loves us so much, He came in flesh to take on the punishment that we deserve, just to provide the way to Him, to be part of His family, His home in heaven, and His kingdom-building-plan and purpose here on earth! He wants to do life with us. He wants to bless us. And most certainly, He wants to hear from us!!!
The Lord God asks that we pray without ceasing! The point of the verses above is that we are to pray directly to God! Corporately and privately. And when in private, somewhere without distractions, we can pour out our hearts, tell the Lord all about what we are struggling through, and ask whatever questions we might have. Because we have insights and directions and purpose, our conversations with God will be meaningful.
As we go through our days (and nights), we should remember that God is literally right there with us! We think having a cell phone with searching abilities is handy. Ah, we have the Creator of the universe! No speed-dialing is necessary! And there will never be a busy signal, or an answering machine, or a robot on the other end! Just like a loving parent, imagine our heavenly Father walking alongside us and asking, "So, tell me about your day..." or, "Look at those funny antics of that squirrel over there..." or, "It's going to work out, I'm right here with you; just keep holding My hand and let's keep talking and enjoying each other's company..."
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