Matt. 6:5-6, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Do you have a special place you go to when you pray?
A place away from distractions and interruptions where you can focus on God?
A place where you feel comfortable and can be yourself (take your shows off, so to speak)?
For many people, that place is in nature. For me, it’s by the beach. I love to watch the waves crash into the shore and listen to the sounds of the sea and birds. To me, it is relaxing and calming. But it also gives me an awe for the greatness of God and His creation. Some places are dedicated to prayer, chapels, cathedrals, and churches, to name a few. Knowing that those places were created for prayer and many had gone there before me and prayed inspires me to do the same.
Of course, we can pray anywhere and anytime. We can find time in our car, at work, in the kitchen, and while gardening. Indeed, God’s presence is everywhere, but the problem is that I’m not always present where I am. I get distracted easily. Jacob’s words could have been mine, “surely the Lord was in this place, and I was not aware of it.” (Gen. 28:16).
Out of all the things the disciples asked Jesus to teach them, they only asked that He teach them how to pray. Jesus responds with the “Our Father” located in Matthew 6:9-14. Today it serves as a guideline to structure our prayers.
- We praise God’s name.
- Pray for His will to be done.
- Ask for our daily needs.
- Ask for forgiveness of sin as well as forgive others.
- Ask that we won’t yield to temptation.
In preparation for this season of prayer,
- Think about a special place that you can go to be alone.
- Arrange a space that you feel comfortable in.
- Make time in your schedule for prayer.
Pray that God gives you the Grace to be aware of His presence and yours as you pray.
