“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. 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.”
Matthew 6:5–6 NKJV
Jesus is teaching us about prayer. The hypocrites wanted everyone to see them praying. They probably practiced their prayers at home, and then went out and prayed in the open so people could see and hear them.
Jesus said we should pray in private. That doesn’t mean EVERY prayer should be in private, but we should have some private time with God to share what’s on our heart. We should pray out loud when we can, not so God can hear us, but so we can hear ourselves. We might be surprised at what comes out of our mouths!
Did you begin this devotion with prayer? The purpose of devotions are to draw us closer to the will and heart of God. Beginning with prayer opens our hearts to hear the voice of God. Once we hear His voice. we should also offer a prayer giving Him thanks.
