A Meeting Place
A Secret Place – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 6:5-15

Key Verse:  Matthew 6:6

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.

Jesus understood the motivation of men.  He witnessed the Pharisees praying and knew it was all for show.  Here we have a group of men that were to be the spiritual leaders of Israel.  These Pharisees knew the Jewish law backward and forward.  They had studied the holy scriptures passed down from generation to generation.  As far as outward behavior and disciplined practices, they were the absolute best.  I’m convinced that if they lived in our day, we would be impressed with them.

            Jesus was not impressed.  He knew their hearts and the Pharisees had long since lost their heart for God.  They were not living for God, they were using God to gain the favor of men.  These leaders of God’s people would fit what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:5 – “…having the form of godliness, but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with them.”  These Pharisees looked very godly as they prayed long prayers and used, I’m sure, very religious words.

            Seeing all this, Jesus turned to His followers and instructed them how they should pray.  His first instructions on prayer were about their “place” of prayer.  Jesus told them to go into their room and close the door.  After they were in their room, then Jesus told them to pray.  Prayer is for an audience of One.  (Continued)

Father, remind me to be authentic in my talks with you.  Help me to spot any inner motive to look good for others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.