Day 3 - God is With You (Matthew 6:5-8)

Today, I'm snowed in in Central Ohio. More time to play hoops with Luke, make snow angels with Allie, and we've got some friends hanging out over here as well.

The prayer journey moves today to the words of Jesus - a much shorter section on prayer, but extremely valuable to consider... Here it is... Matthew 6:5-8

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

In just four sentences (or so), Jesus reveals what our priorities should be when we talk or listen to God...

(1) Just between us - God wants to know that you're making a priority to be with HIm, and not to impress people. To be honest, I had to check my own thoughts about blogging on prayer. "Am I doing this so that people will think I know about prayer or God?" or... "Would I do this anyway, and it's good to keep a notebook (online) of prayer-worthy thoughts."

The reality is that my prayers this week (or at least some of the content) is not for you to read about. You and I need moments where it's just you and God. Driving in the car, waking up in the morning, sitting down with a Bible and a coffee, or going to bed.... the point is that you have a place and a time in your life for just you and God.

(2) God will reward! - He refers to the "rewards" of praying just within that private relationship... God won't reward those who are praying to be seen or heard by others... but He does reward you when you talk just to Him.

He doesn't "spell out" what the rewards are. I'm sure we'd all like more money or answers about the future.

But in the context, my best guess is that the rewards are these --- (1) God hears you out. He's not listening to the babblers or the hypocrites, but He will give you the time of day. He will listen when He knows you're talking first to Him! (2) God answers. There's enough in this passage and in the New Testament to believe that God answers the people who are actually praying. Remember, He's God, and you aren't. Being God, He has the privilege to answer HOW he wants, WHEN he wants, and WHY he wants. I'm glad He's running the Universe, and not me. (3) God actually does send extra rewards... things like spiritual growth, wisdom, encouragement, power, awareness of His presence in your life, and positive answers to prayer.

God hears, God answers, God rewards.

Seems like we should pray more, even after these 40 Days are over. Seems obvious, but it's easier said than done.

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Dear God,

It's awesome to know that you want a deeper friendship with me. Thanks for truly being that Friend who is always there... You see what Gary is like behind closed doors, and you still want me. You still hear me and desire to reward me.

God, help me get my priorities straight. I don't want to live for the praise or approval of people... Nobody can please everyone... Help me get focused time just between the two of us more and more each day.

God, please kill the hypocritical and babbler tendencies inside me, and help me just be my raw, honest self with you.

God, I also pray that for all of us on this journey. You don't want us to try to pray like anybody else, or use words to try to impress you or whatever... you just want us to be ourselves, to talk with you, and to seek YOUR reward. Don't let us miss out on that.