Where to Pray

“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 others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
Matthew 6:5 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like you’re still in first grade in the school of prayer?

You’re not alone. We are all novices when it comes to the art of prayer. And the Holy Spirit is ready to teach You every step of the way. 

In today’s verse, Jesus warns you not to pray like the “hypocrites.” The word refers to actors, those who pretend and perform for the applause of an audience. Jesus is specifically referring to the religious leaders of His day who pray in two places: in the synagogue and on the street corner to capture the attention of the greatest number of people.

Jesus goes on to describe those who pray this way saying, “They love to pray.” But it is not prayer that these actors love. And they do not love the person they pray to. When someone is acting, it is for the sake of a performance and the applause of other people.

But this is not how Jesus teaches you to pray. He warns you not to pray for the attention or praise of people. You can let go of performance and pretense when you pray to your Heavenly Father. 

That’s why Jesus teaches you to pray in secret. Go into your bedroom and close the door, He says, so that you won’t be tempted to pretend. Instead of wanting to be seen by others, you can be heard by God. 

Through Jesus Christ, God is already pleased with you; you can’t impress Him. The first lesson in prayer is to come before Him as simply and honestly as you can. 

You can be free from any desire for the praise of people. Come to praise your God. Then you can experience the true reward of prayer: God hears you. When you pray, you have His full attention. 

Prayer: Father God, You both empower and receive my prayer and I praise You for it. Give me a passion for prayer and a heart that is honest before You. Help me not pretend for the sake of others’ approval. Protect me from the desire for man’s empty praise. I want the praise that comes from the only God! In Jesus’ Name and for His Sake, Amen.