When? YES, WHEN!

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

  “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!
~Matthew 6:5-8

 I was part of a discussion group a few days ago.  The topic of discussion was "What Is The Best Way To Pray?"  Well, let me just say that several of the attendees got quite talky about the "proper" way to pray.  

     *     Some felt the need to shout and yell 'so God would hear' their prayers.

     *     Some felt the only way to pray was to repeat certain key phrases such as 'Father God' as if God needs to be reminded of who He is.

     *     One person got very specific: first, one must never attempt to pray in a comfortable position. We must pray in an uncomfortable position to remind us of our unworthiness.  Second, we must pray with the holy icons to remind us that we are praying.  Third, we must make sure others SEE us praying in order to encourage them to do the same.

Let me just say, my thoughts on the who prayer topic differed from most of the group, and will probably get my invitation revoked, but here are my thoughts on Prayer:

1. Notice that Jesus uses the word "WHEN" in reference to prayer.  Jesus doesn't say 'IF you pray', He says "WHEN you pray."  Thus, prayer is expected.
2. Jesus reminds us that LOUD public prayers are not needed.  God is not hard of hearing.
3. Repetitive words and phrases are not needed. Like the constant clicking of a pen, repetitive phrases and words are a distraction.
4. Jesus tells us to go away by ourselves.  Some versions say we are to go into the closet and close the door.  I prefer to go someplace quiet where I can focus.  This requires that I get up early so the noises of everyone's day starting don't become distractions.
5. Usually, my recliner is the place I choose to pray.  If I am uncomfortable, then that will become very distracting and my prayers will be far from sincere.
6. Jesus reminds us that God already knows what you NEED before you even ask.  He knows that you need forgiveness and what you need forgiveness for.  He knows what you need to make it through the day and already has a plan.  He knows!  So don't even try to fool Him.
7. Prayer is an ongoing conversation.  It's not just something you do at specific times of each day, it is a continuous conversation with the One who knows everything about you and loves you anyway.

 

Think about that for a moment.  Maybe even tell God "Thank You" for loving you in spite of yourself.