Matthew 6:5-9
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the actors. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be watched by others. Honestly, I tell you, they have already received their wages.
6 But when you pray, go into your room alone and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will pay you back.
7 “And when you pray, do not pile up repetitions like the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of the volume of their many words.
8 Do not be like them, for your Father already knows what you need before you ask him.
9 So pray like this: “Our Father in the sky, may your name be honored, not ours.” _________________________________________
Sky Kingdom prayer
Jesus highlighted two bad examples of prayer before he got around to explaining how his sky kingdom disciples should pray. First, he pointed them to the religious professionals among the Jews who prayed openly so others could watch and admire their spirituality. These were the actors. The only thing they should expect to get from their prayers is the “attaboys” from those watching. Nothing they say is going to impress their creator.
Secondly, he pointed to the pagan Gentiles who think they can manipulate God by repeating spells and ceremonial power words over and over again. No, God does not care for that kind of prayer either. Jesus defined what real prayer is by addressing the motive. Real prayer does not honor the ones praying or the prayers being prayed. It always starts with honoring God for who he is.
LORD, we seek to honor you for who you are.
Devotions 