The LORD’s Prayer, Part 1: In Secret
2024-09-01
Before teaching on prayer, the Lord Jesus warns about hypocritical public praying so “that they may be seen of men” and that “They have their reward” (Matthew 6:5). Instead, He says, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6).
Who are these really “praying” to? They want to show the world their religiosity; the world is their audience. They may use prayer as a political statement or a theological treatise. Their “reward” is that they receive the accolades of men rather than an answer to prayer.
But what about when the apostle said, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8)? There is a place for prayer amid other people if the motive is right, when people are praying together in unity. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication” (Acts 1:14).
A private prayer life is a necessity for all because it demonstrates our personal dependence on the Lord without the distraction of the world’s ear. Your personal prayers are answered when you strive in prayer with Him alone.