What Does the Bible Say About Praying?
Matthew 6:5-8 is a passage from the Bible that talks about prayer and the proper attitude one should have while praying. Here is the passage along with an example to illustrate its meaning:
"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 6:5-8
Example: Imagine a person who likes to pray loudly in public places, such as on a busy street, to draw attention to themselves and show off their spirituality. This person is not genuinely seeking a connection with God but is more interested in being seen and praised by others for their religious devotion. Their intention is to gain recognition and admiration from people around them. They may use eloquent words and phrases, thinking that the length or complexity of their prayer will impress others and make them appear more pious. However, according to this passage, Jesus advises against such behavior and encourages sincere and humble prayer in private.
The passage emphasizes three main points about prayer:
- Avoid hypocrisy: Jesus urges his followers not to pray to impress others or seek attention but to have a genuine relationship with God.
- Privacy: He suggests going into a private room to pray, away from the eyes of others. This private setting allows for a more intimate and personal connection with God.
- Simplicity: Jesus advises against long, repetitive prayers, instead emphasizing that heartfelt and concise prayers are sufficient. He assures believers that God already knows their needs and intentions, so there is no need for excessive words or showmanship.