Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:5–6, CSB
Notice, in these verses He doesn’t command us to pray. Instead, he assumes that we’re going to pray. Look at what he says. “Whenever you pray” and “when you pray.”
It’s a subtle reminder, but Jesus’ expectation is that we would pray. We breathe; we eat, and we pray. It’s just what we do. As those who have been born again, the Spirit gives us a godly desire to engage in ongoing, daily prayer.
But the question remains: are we praying?
On a regular basis, on a daily basis, are we spending time with the Lord? Are we praying? Not just talking to Him or at Him. But talking with Him. Are we sharing our heart—our ideas, hurts, frustrations, desires? Are we listening to His voice—His concerns, His truths, His desires? And are we responding—to His voice, His leading, His correction, His calling?
Have you been spending regular, quality time with the Lord? And if you haven’t, what needs to change in your life in order to make this happen?
I’ve been personally convicted of this area of my life again. Sure, I pray. But it’s sporadic. It’s often hurried, done only in passing. And it’s usually one-sided. I’m really good at talking—venting about something or asking for something. But I still struggle with listening.
This past week, I was convicted once again that I need to carve out specific time each day to just sit and listen to Him. And so, I’ve gone back to waking up early. Waking up before everyone else. Waking up and spending time with the Lord in prayer, before spending time on my phone. Because, sadly, that’s what I’ve become accustomed to doing in my normal routine.
I really thought the first couple of days would be hard. But honesty, it really hasn’t been all that of a challenge. Instead, it’s been a joy. It’s been a time of spiritual rest, refreshment and renewal, a time of inner peace, something I wasn’t getting before.
“When you pray …”
How’s your prayer life been? Sporadic? Scattered? Hurried? Selfish and one-sided?
If so, it might reveal a need to become more intentional, more disciplined in your prayer life, to set aside a specific time each day to spend with the Lord. And if so, I encourage you to do just that.
Jesus assumes that we’ll spend time in prayer. But let’s not assume it will happen without us prioritizing it.
For His Glory and Our Joy,
Scott Gourley
* This is part one of a four part series.
Pillar Network Arizona 