PRAYING IS NOT A SPECTATOR EVENT

 

 

READ: Matthew 6: 6-7

 

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God.  Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.  The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”  Matthew 6: 6 (Message)

 

          Imagine the level of excitement you would experience if you were scheduled to meet with an important leader who wanted to hear what you

had to say  about a topic of great concern to you.  By the time of the meeting your apprehension would be at a fever pitch.   Yet, each of us has a standing

invitation to meet with our God and Maker at our convenience and often we do not fully appreciate the privilege!

 

          One of Christ’s greatest desires was for His disciples to come to know God as their Father and  to have fellowship with Him.  He had found in His own life the need and joy of meeting with the Father and He wanted His followers to do the same.  We, too,  need to follow His example because without daily fellowship with Him; it is not possible fore our relationship with Him to grow.

 

          However, once in His presence:  How should we address Him?  Since the chief object of prayer is to realize that we are in His presence, our words

should be directed to Him.  We are admonished “not to use empty, meaningless phrases” and to regard God as the listener and not others who may be in the audience.  Forget the ‘Thees’ and ‘Thous’ and talk to Him as you would a friend as He truly is your faithful Companion.