October 2, 2013
Daily Bible Nugget #37, Matthew 6:5-8
The Nugget:
Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
My Comment
Jesus gives us helpful instruction about prayer. His directions apply to us today. Note the interesting expression "They have their reward." That is not a good thing. Jesus uses that expression earlier in the same chapter. Jesus encourages private, even secret prayer. He warns against vain repetition. He does not mean that we cannot repeat our requests. Paul remarks that he had prayed for a concern three times (in 2 Corinthians 12:8), so that is not the issue. Jesus rebukes long, pious, repetitive prayers such as the Jews used at that time. It very probably refers to liturgical prayers repeated over and over with little variation, some groups even having a system of beads on a string or thread to help keep track of where they are in the sequence! A practice like that may be very religious, but it is not Biblical. Jesus lets us know in a very practical sense that our Father in heaven knows what we need, before we ask him. So why ask? James tells us if we don't ask, we won't receive what we have not asked for (James 4:2). Scripture tells us God delights to hear the prayers of those who believe in Him, so do spend some time each day talking to your heavenly Father.
1 comment
ken sagely matt 6 has some very encouraging scriptures in it. its right in the middle of the lords sermon on the mount. i found some encouraging cross refs on matt 6.5-8. in the ot are most my favorite promises on prayer. always on the lookout for a new one. 1. i sam 16.7 for the lord seeth not as man seeth; for the man looketh on the outward appearance, but the lord looketh on the heart. 2 lk 18.10-14 two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a pharisee and the other a publican,11. the pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, god, i thank thee, that i am not as other men are, extorioners,unjust,adulterers,or even as this publican. 12 i fast twice a week, i give tithes of all that i possess. 13 and the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, god be merciful to me a sinner. 14 i tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather the other; for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 3.isa 65.24 and it shall come to pass, that b4 they call, i will answer; and while they are yet speaking, i will hear. 4. jn 16.23-24and in that day ye shall ask me nothing. verily, verily, i say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 24 hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 5. psm 65.2 o thou who hearest prayer, unto the shall all flesh come. 6. heb 11.6 but without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to god must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them\ that seek him. 7. james 1.17 every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. i thess 5.17 pray with out ceasing. 8. psm 55.22 cast thy burden upon the lord, and he shall sustain thee. 9. i pe 5.7 casting all your care upon him for he careth for you 10. what a friend we have in jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! what a privilege to carry everything to god in prayer.!