We often asked how we should pray. Jesus, before telling us how to pray, tells us how not to pray. He says:
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. . . . And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matt. 6:5,7).
There are two ways from this text as to how we should not pray.
We Should Not Pray to Look or Sound Spiritual
Do you ever do that? Do you ever pursue God and do spiritual things in order to impress people? Do you make excuses for why you were late? Do you fear the opinions of other people to the point that you attempt to control them? We all, at times, do. But our praying and our pursuing God cannot be a means to the end of impressing people. If we do, we will receive our reward: the applause of men!
We Should Not Pray Without Wanting God
The Gentiles pray this way. They dont want God. They just want His stuff. God wants to do more than simply answer your prayers. He wants to do more than give you advice, fulfill your plans, accomplish your goals, and make your life comfortable. God wants to shape you. He wants to mold and form your heart so that all your affections are wrapped around Him. The purpose of prayer is to get God!
GB
