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Monday, March 9, 2009
Seeking the Father
"When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites. The hypocrites
love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and
pray loudly. They want people to see them pray. I tell you
the truth. They already have their full reward. When you
pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then
pray to your Father. He is there in that secret place. Your
Father can see the things that are done in secret. And he
will reward you."
-- Matthew 6:5-6 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
In almost every place you go and visit with Christians, there is a
deep, underlying conviction: Our walk with the Lord, our life of
discipleship, our power over sin, and our love for God would all be
greatly enhanced with more time in prayer. Without realizing it, a
culture obsessed with privacy finds its most intimate and private gift,
prayer, lived out in public more than in private. Prayer is about
developing a relationship and dependency upon God as Father, not about
being seen. Prayer is about seeking God, his will, and his grace, not
about gaining a reputation or a set of admirers. Jesus is reminding us
that God has sent us an invitation to visit with him in prayer. To give
up that for the approval of the crowd is not only shameful, Jesus says
it's damning.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Abba Father, I want to know you and experience your attending presence.
Forgive me for the times I have prayed in ways that drew attention to
me, or to my "piety," instead of focusing on my relationship with you.
Time in your presence is such a gift! Thank you. I find it unfathomable
that you, the King of Ages and Creator of the World, long for me to
come into your presence. Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for giving
me such an awesome gift. Thank you for your Spirit who intercedes for
me when I pray. Thank you that I can pray with confidence knowing that
I will be heard because of the mighty name of Jesus, through whom I
pray. Amen.
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0309-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+6:5-6&sr=1&t=erv
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