April 30, 2024

In Matthew 6, Jesus pushes back on the religious leaders who make a show out of their faith. When they would fast, they made themselves look pale and hungry so people would know they were fasting and say, “Wow, aren’t those people really committed?!” Or when they would give, they made sure that people could see how much they were putting in, so people would admire them for their giving. And the same with prayer. They loved to say the prayer at the synagogue, so they could use fancy words and be long and articulate. Or they would stand on street corners where everyone could see them and “Ooh,” and “Ahh,” over how godly these people must be.
But Jesus said that these people missed the whole point of prayer. The purpose of prayer wasn’t to put on a show for people, it was to connect with God. Now it’s true, there are times when we pray with each other and for each other in pairs or small groups. There are even times when prayers are said at large gatherings. But the essence of prayer is personal and private. I love how Jesus framed it. It’s a “Closed Door Meeting.”
But why? A couple of reasons. When it’s just you and God, you can get REAL. You can talk to Him about stuff that you don’t want to admit in front of other people. You can talk about your true feelings and fears. You can talk about your temptations. You can talk with Him about people you’re struggling with, attitudes you’re having to overcome, and failures you’re embarrassed by. God doesn’t want a “pretend” prayer. He’s a Real God who wants you to share your Real Needs, so He can give you some Real Help. That takes a closed-door session.
Also, when you’re all alone with God, you don’t have to worry about how you say what you say—you just SAY IT. When it’s just you and God, you can say it straight, holding nothing back, and you know He understands. You can even just sit in His Presence and let your heart and your tears do the talking because you know that’s a language He also understands. God never meant for prayer to be an oratory performance. He meant it to be a chance for us and Him to talk heart-to-heart. Prayers like that aren’t meant for pulpits or street corners. They’re meant for private places where it’s just us and God. Need a moment with God? Then come on in, God’s already waiting. And be sure to close the door behind you. That’s God’s Word for you today.