David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 6:5

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

Some people are intimidated by the challenge of praying in public. They are afraid that they will say the wrong thing, get tongue-tied or otherwise embarras themselves in their attempt to express out loud what they hold in their heart. That’s a somewhat legitimate concern; no one wants to make a fool of himself. It’s easier to keep silent.

On the other hand, however, there are those who wish to shine like stars in their public praying. They pile word upon phrase, their locutions impressing and inspiring those around them. There are also those who wish to make a public show of their religion so that everyone will see them, and they will look good to others.

In any case such an approach to prayer misses the mark with Jesus. The point of prayer is not whether or not one will be seen by others. It is not a matter of impressing any person, or even God for that matter (what a silly idea!). In fact the point of prayer is to honor God, to make his name holy, and to enter into a deep and intimate relationship with him.

There is a great reward in prayer. High on the list is being in the presence of God and in conversation with the king of the universe. He takes note of us when we pray and enters into that conversation.

Matthew 6:1-15

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

²  “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

⁵ “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

⁷ “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ⁹  Pray then like this:

¹⁴  For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵  but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.