This week we begin five weeks of verses in Matthew 6 on praying. [See the full schedule here.]
But whether you’re memorizing all of Matthew 6 with us or just reading along each Monday, please add one more thing: Pray!
Just as Jesus assumed that His listeners would be giving (Matthew 6:2-3), he also assumed here they would be praying. And not for public praise, but for private devotion.
As you go into your private place this week to talk with the Father, whether it be a literal closet or the great outdoors or in your car in traffic, remember who you are talking to and why you are talking to Him.
That’s what He’s listening for. And for that you will be rewarded.
Do you have a prayer closet? Where is your favorite place to pray? Please share in the comments.
This is amazing! I’ve always seen that door as a barrier from the outside; i.e. “don’t be a show off.” The idea of all the distractions it shuts out had NEVER ONCE occurred to me. Pondering this one, big time!
That’s one thing I love about spending time with specific scriptures: the Spirit breathes in fresh ways, giving us new ways to think about old words. Walking away from the noise is hard for me to do, but when I do, it definitely makes it easier for me to pray. Thanks for sharing, Michele!
I’ll copy the link here that I included in the eNewsletter this morning. I really appreciated these words from Jordan Monson:
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/private-prayer-walk