Approach Prayer Honestly

“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.” (Matthew 6:5-6)

I told you I was going to be a repetitive preacher this week as I continue my focus on prayer. There is the intent of prayer and there is the sincerity in prayer but there is also a method of prayer. When you think of method, you’re looking at your approach in accomplishing something. More often than not, most people pray out of distress, desire, and need. I dare say rarely do we approach God to simply glorify Him. The weight of life often drives us to our needs but if you really begin to think about God as the Creator of all things and the One who knows all things, your approach just might be a little different. 

King David lived a frustrating life and experienced lots of obstacles. He was constantly running from King Saul and was in constant warfare to defend the kingdom. In his anxiety and fear you could hear him seeking God but his cries often turned to praise.  Why? Because he knew and believed that God would defend him and deliver him as He had many times before. (See example Psalm 54). 

So do pray but not only out of want, but out of a daily need to commune with Him.