08
How Should I Pray?
Matthew 6:5-15
Simon shakes his head sympathetically: “Master, just look at that guy - he’s actually standing on the street corner praying! Now that’s what I call religious showmanship. Does he really think he’s impressing anyone? It’s pathetic!”
Jesus turns to His other followers: “What do you think? Could it be right to be as deeply religious as that man? After all, he’s showing the world that he stands firm in his faith. Could it be right?”
John, the youngest of the group, shakes his head. “I’m not so sure. But that man who prayed for so long in the synagogue yesterday - I wish I could pray like that. He used such beautiful words.”
“Master, I struggle to pray. We poor fishermen aren’t exactly skilled at making long, eloquent prayers,” Simon admits, looking a little embarrassed.
“Well then, let’s sit down, and I’ll explain. That man on the street corner and the one in the synagogue with his grand, drawn-out prayer - they’re praying just so people will admire them. That’s hypocrisy! Forget about wanting to say impressive prayers in public. Prayer is a personal conversation between you and God. Rather go into your room, close the door behind you, and speak with God about the things on your heart.”
“Rabbi, the other day I heard someone pray, but it sounded like a waterfall!” James laughs. “It was just a continuous stream of words, non-stop.”
“Yes, James, that’s how the pagans pray. The more they can say in a short time and the louder they speak, the more they believe their god will hear them.”
Jesus sighs. These men have so much to learn, and time is so short! His group of regular disciples has grown significantly - it’s no longer just a handful of fishermen. Several others have joined, even a few women who follow Him daily.
“You know what? Your Father already knows what you need before you even ask Him!”
“Master, please teach us how to pray properly,” Simon pleads. He so desperately wants to learn from his Master.
“This is how you should pray,” Jesus says: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, let Your Name be kept holy. Let Your kingdom come. Let Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive those who are indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.’
Simon sits for a moment, reflecting on this short yet powerful prayer. But something troubles him. “Master, I’m not so sure about one thing.”
“Simon, what is it?”
“Master, it’s that forgiveness part. I struggle with it! I forgave John for hitting me when I was joking with him. And I forgave Andrew for gossiping about me to my father. But that Roman who slapped me the other day - I will never, ever forgive him!”
“Simon, Simon, if you don’t forgive others for their wrongs against you, how can you expect the Father to forgive you?”
“But Master…” Simon starts to protest.
“Do you obey the law perfectly every day? Have you never sinned against God?”
Simon’s face turns red. He doesn’t know where to look because he knows all too well that he is no saint. His sins are piled high.
“Simon, if you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive all your sins.”
Simon falls silent, overcome with guilt. Will the Lord ever be able to forgive him for all his sins? He tries so hard, but time and again, he finds himself doing the wrong thing. He speaks before he thinks and has hurt so many people with his words. “I will try my best to forgive that Roman - but it’s going to be so difficult! Lord, forgive me!” he cries in his heart.
Even today, prayer remains a deeply personal matter for many believers. The most important thing to remember is that it is a conversation with God. This is especially true in public prayer, where I often hear someone speaking as if they are addressing the people around them - preaching to them or trying to convey a message instead of truly speaking with God.
Prayer is certainly not just a wish list where I only ask and ask and ask. First and foremost, prayer is about bringing my honour, praise, and gratitude to God for how wonderful He is and for all He has already done and continues to do for me. I long for many more people to do the same, which is why I express my desire for the expansion of God’s kingdom.
But I may also ask God for things for myself because He is, after all, my heavenly Father. Why would He not care for me and provide for my needs?
Prayer:
Lord,
thank You that You are my Father and that You have already forgiven
me. Thank You that I can talk to You!