In Matthew 6 we read,5 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 men. I tell you the truth, 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. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."(Matthew 6:5-8)I have been to listening to many sermons about prayer, especially by Leonard Ravenhill, in the past months. Many of these promote the practice of very long periods of prayer with examples of brothers and sisters praying 4, 6, 8, 12 or even more hours per day. This passage seems to show prayer in a different light and with different expectations. Jesus then follows this with the Lord's prayer as an example which is very concise prayer. Could you share your experiences in prayer, what the Lord has taught you about it the other Scriptural passages about it that will help us all grasp it better?
Mat 6:7 (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
_________________Travis
1) Prayer is the expression of our faith and worship.2) Prayer is communion and fellowship with the Father and the Son.3) Prayer exalts and magnifies the truth of GOD. It is praise for His wonders and His works.4) Prayer comes from a grateful heart. It is thanksgiving for His blessings and His grace.5) Prayer is the appointed place where we can come before the LORD with our needs and requests and find grace and mercy to help in time of need.6) Pray according to His promises, pray in His Name, pray His Will be done !!
_________________Martin G. Smith