Until now, we have learned and studied examples of prayers of praise, confession, petition, intercession, and Kingdom advancement. We could call these the What’s of prayer. But for these final three days, let’s look together at what God’s word says about the Who, Where, and When of praying.
Let’s begin by reading Matthew 6:1-6, particularly focusing on the last two verses. Christ is instructing us to avoid the temptation to impress others with our prayers. While not all of us struggle with praying loudly in synagogues or on street corners in particular, many of us do struggle with the synagogues of the 21st century – the social media street corners that affirm our righteousness in the language of “likes” and hearts.
Eesh.
I write humbly today as a guilty sister, having publicly used His name for my own glory.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them…” (Matthew 6:1, emphasis added)
It’s all about the heart here, sisters. Whether it’s on Instagram or as a guest at your neighbor’s table, each time we call out His name publicly, we must carefully examine: am I doing this to be impressive, or am I doing this because He’s impressive?
And the answer to that question is between you and Him. In the quiet times.
Our Lord is calling us to quiet prayer so that we can give Him our undivided attention, free of any ulterior motives, free to hear Him and to speak humbly to Him.
But, it doesn’t end here. Private prayer should not be the only praying we do.
James 5:16 charges us to confess our sins to one another and to pray for one another.
Acts 2:42 shows us the fellowship of the believers in the early church devoting themselves to breaking bread and praying together.
And in Acts 20, we see Paul preparing to leave Ephesus, his goodbye flowing naturally from thanks, to warning, to quoting Christ’s own words, and finally into a time of prayer and embracing in Christian community.
Why?
Because the Christian life is personal, but it is not private.
God requires pure motives and contrite spirits when we go before Him. He also loves to see His people come together to come to Him – corporately seeking His face, lifting one another up in intercession, praising Him for His works.
Christ Himself invited His disciples to join Him as He talked to the Father (can you imagine???) in Luke 9:28, John 17, and of course in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32).
The simple “Who” of prayer is first you and Him, alone and unimpressive; and second, believers together before Him, corporately praising, confessing, petitioning, interceding, and asking that His Kingdome come and His will be done.
Deference to website author , some good selective information .
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
This is something I too, am guilty of and something God has brought to my attention. There is such a fine line between trying to be helpful or useful, and then the grasping for recognition or trying to be “The One” in control. How do we realize we are doing this? Hopefully, God will keep nudging my heart to be the humble servant he needs.
Today’s devotional hit me right where I am. I am in the midst of praying about starting a new blog. And while it may not sound like something huge to dwell on, I have had previous experiences where blogging becomes an idol and full of selfish ambition. I believe God has put it on my heart to share my story, and to create a place where His daughters can be real and encouraged in their faith. But there is always that lingering in the back of my mind. Am I truly doing this for Him? Or am i doing it to gain recognition for myself? It is also difficult because my husband is not overly supportive of blogging in general. But we have talked about it, and if it is truly from God then he is 100% supportive. I just am continuing to pray that God would reveal His plan to me, along with any selfishness that may be hiding in my heart. I trust that He will reveal the answers in His timing.
Bless you sisters!
I think Carolynmimi wrapped it up for us! I have never read a post here that seemed like it was self-seeking or vain glorious, only truthful words to help one another learn from life experiences and to ultimately give God the glory!! As to Facebook or Instagram, I don’t know as I don’t post much. I do post items that leave no doubt that I am an active Christian, such as a poem or a beautiful picture quoting Scripture. I’m always happy to see a “like” as most of my former classmates and friends are not saved! I guess I could be guilty of not professing my faith enough…
“praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47 NIV
I also think it’s simply human nature to want someone to “like” or appreciate the sometimes personal or painful things we share. To know we might have been helpful or know that someone knows we care enough to reach out, that they’re not alone or that their prayer request is acknowledged- I don’t think that’s for our glory. It’s being a kind , hopefully helpful Christian showing love and concern toward one another…
I’ve never seen or been a part of such a God inspired community ever before! This is a group of women reading, studying,
LIVING His word daily. Loving the Lord first and foremost, and spreading His word is what it’s all about! It is a privilege and I’m thankful to all my sisters for sharing their experiences and thoughts. You’ve been a tremendous help in my walk with the Lord! You’ve taught me a lot.
Blessings to each of you today! :)