October 9, 2016

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “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. 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. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,  as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 6:5-13

Do you ever long for a more passionate and intimate relationship with Christ?

Have you ever wondered what it takes to maintain a spiritual relationship as intense as Jesus had?

Jesus says, "When you pray, pray sincerely!"

Sincere prayer means praying heartfelt prayer, honoring prayers, humble prayers and honest prayers. That's how Jesus prayed.

Here's what I know about relationships, the test of a relationship is how honest you are able to be with the other person. The more honest you can be the intimate you will be.

Do you have a relationship like that? Are you able to be completely honest with your spouse or are there things you have to hide from them for fear they would reject you or be upset with you?

Is your spouse able to be completely honest with you or are you easily offended or upset? Does your spouse find it necessary to walk on eggshells around you?

What would happen in your relationship if you lived sincerely as you pray. What if you were heartfelt when you shared with them? What if you were humble and honest and honored them above yourself?

Would that make your relationship healthier and more satisfying? Wouldn't it create more intimacy between you? 

What if you began by learning to pray sincerely as Jesus taught? What if you learned how to pray heartfelt, honoring, humble and honest prayers to God? What if you discovered the power of praying heartfelt honoring, humble and honest prayers for your spouse and your marriage? What if you began to draw strength and security and confidence from God so you were able to risk building those qualities into your marriage relationship?

James said, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands,you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

Finding intimacy with God through sincere prayer will strengthen all your relationships. Prayer really does change things! Beginning with you!

Sincerely!