The Proper Attitude In Prayer Series

The Proper Attitude in Prayer

Matthew 6: 5-8

We have come to the portion of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus begins to address prayer. The act of praying is literally imploring God to move on our behalf. It is described as words of worship or entreaty that are offered to the Lord.

Prayer is something we are all familiar with, but I wonder if we are familiar enough with prayer? Is it possible that we have become too familiar with prayer? I believe there are instances in our lives where both are true. Many times, prayer has become so familiar that we aren’t earnest enough in it; and then there are times we feel so inadequate and unlearned in prayer. Whatever the circumstance, I am certain we all could improve regarding our prayer life. The late Dr. Adrian Rogers was quoted with these thoughts on prayer. “The greatest problem we face is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer.” “Tragically, many of our prayers are so vague that if God were to answer them, we wouldn’t even know it.”

As you study the life of Christ, it is quickly evident that He was committed to prayer. He enjoyed an unhindered fellowship with the Father and was in continual communication with Him through prayer. In our text Jesus addressed various attitudes of prayer – two of which are unacceptable and one will be heard and answered. Let’s take a few moments to consider: The Proper Attitude in Prayer.

I. Prayers of Vanity (5) – And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Jesus began by addressing prayers offered by hypocrites. These are empty pretenders, actors, stage players. Notice:

A. The Recognition Desired – These were often guilty of praying while standing in the synagogues or in the corners of the street, that they may be seen of men. Jesus had witnessed those who loved to offer prayers in public places. They wanted to ensure that others would see them as they prayed and hear the words they offered. These were not interested in communing with God or having their prayers answered; they desired the recognition of men. There was no depth or substance to their prayers.

This is not a condemnation of public prayer. Jesus was not teaching that we should never pray audibly in the presence of others. Public prayer can be an effective witness for the Lord. When offered from a pure heart, in the proper manner, we can display our faith before others as we pray. The difference lies within the motive. If we are offering a public prayer in sincerity, God will hear that prayer. If it is offered to receive the recognition and praise of men, it is nothing more than words uttered from our lips.

B. The Reward Displayed – Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Jesus revealed a profound truth regarding prayers offered simply for recognition and public praise. If that is what one desires, they may receive it, but that is all the benefit their prayer will produce. Words may have been spoken that portrayed a desire for God to move in their lives or conveyed a burden for someone else, but the desire or burden was polluted by the lust for praise and recognition.

In essence, those prayers never reached the throne of God. What little recognition men offered would be the only recognition they received. There is power in prayer. It is the means by which we make our requests made known to God. I had much rather God hear my prayer and respond, than for men to hear them alone. We need the approval and response of God much more than that of men.

C. The Rebuke Conveyed – And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: As with many instances before, Jesus offered a solemn warning. We are not to be guilty of praying as the hypocrites do. There must be a difference in us and those of the world. Prayer is often mentioned in a casual, uninterested way. Many politicians offer a simple prayer as they close out a speech: May God bless America. This is often an example of hypocritical prayer. It is not offered from a sincere heart with a genuine desire for God to do anything, but rather said because they feel it is expected and will be well received.

God’s people need to understand and exercise the privilege of prayer. We need to come boldly before the throne of grace and make our petitions known. This is not done so that men might think we are holy, but to intercede for the needs of our day! We need to maintain a positive witness among the world, but there are far greater needs than what others think of us.