Pray Secure Prayers

"When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward. When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you. When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask."

Matthew 6:5-8

Jesus referenced how the Pharisees and religious leaders pray and then pointed out to His disciples, "Don't pray like this!"

So, they must have wondered, "Okay then, how should we pray?"

That was the question He was waiting for!

After pointing out two things the religious leaders where doing wrong with prayer He told them them three things they should do right!

When you pray:

1) Pray sincerely

2) Pray secretly

3) Pray securely

We will examine these three aspects of prayer that honors God.

Without getting into specifics (which I will) what differences can you see at face value?

What is the opposite of sincerity?

Is it not hypocrisy?

When the Pharisees and religious types of that day stood in very public places praying loudly and pretentiously how does that impact you?

Have you seen anyone pray like that?

If so, how did it make you feel?

Have you ever prayed like that?

It's one thing to pray fervent prayers in public if you are praying personal passionate prayers in private.

Don't you think you can pray more sincere prayer in public if you are praying regularly in a secret place?

Jesus said, "When you pray, GO INTO A ROOM ALONE."

When you intentionally decide to get alone with God to pray you are serious about praying! That has to be the most sincere form of prayer wouldn't you say?

And don't pray long, wordy, flowery, religious sounding prayers. 

Pray secure prayers.

What are secure prayers?

When I say "secure" prayers I am referring to prayers addressed by someone who is secure in his relationship with His Heavenly Father and confident he doesn't have to beg God to hear him.

Are you secure when you come to God in prayer?

Do you ever feel like you have to beg God to hear you when you pray?

"When you pray", Jesus said.

When Jesus says, "When you pray", I say, "You should listen and learn!"