Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is a daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
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. 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. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8a Prayer does change things and the first thing it changes is you. Prayer helps us understand our relationship to God, to each other and our world. When we spend time hearing from God – not just asking – it transforms us. Prayer is connecting with God our Creator who loves us and wants us to know Him. Prayer is a discipline that is not public or showy – it is deeply personal and intimate. God is speaking but are we listening?
Jesus instructed the Disciples (and you and me) to make prayer a deeper personal and private thing. Jesus does not forbid praying in public at all, but he does warn that if we pray to impress others we have already received our reward. Jesus instructs us to make prayer about more than asking for things, but about seeking the face of God. If you need prayer – let us know at FBC Eufaula. We would love to pray for you!
First Baptist Church is a place to find answers to questions like these. I would like to invite you to come find this out for yourself. First Baptist Church is located at the corner of 4th and Foley. Morning Bible Study begins at 8:45 a.m., with our Morning Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. Our Wednesday Night programs begin at 6 p.m. I would also invite you to visit our website at www.eufaulafbc.org.
Know that you are loved! Pastor J. First Baptist Church of Eufaula
