When You Pray...
A guest post by Chad Ramsey.
The ability to approach God in prayer is a privilege Christians ought not take for granted. As Paul noted, we should “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Rather than spending time worrying, we should turn our cares over to God through prayer. With that said, it is important to realize Scripture not only tells us that we should pray, but it also provides us with instructions regarding how we should pray.
An example of this is seen in a section of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount—Matthew 6:5-13. Consider the following admonitions from our Lord.
“When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:5).
This statement teaches us prayer is not to be used as a tool to draw attention to oneself.
Unlike those who stood on the corners of the streets in hopes of being recognized by others, those who pray in the proper manner are focused upon petitioning God.
“When you pray, go into your room…” (Matthew 6:6).
This statement emphasizes the previous point: prayer is not done for show.
We should not conclude it is wrong to pray publicly, for Jesus prayed in the presence of others (see Luke 3:21). It is, however, wrong to publicly misuse prayer.
“When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do” (Matthew 6:7).
This statement shows our prayers are not heard based upon our eloquence. Instead, prayer should flow from sincere hearts. The words that we use matter.
Additionally, the humility that characterizes our requests and petitions also matters. Prayer is not a tool to direct God; it enables us to ask for His blessings. We would do well to remember the words of Psalm 100:3.
“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
Because He is God and we are not, we must trust Him.
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
Amen