The Bible’s Prosperity Plan: Why I Give!
Three Things I Cannot Talk About – Part IV

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-8

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.

The first thing Jesus told us not to talk about is giving, as we examined in the last devotional. Jesus’s instruction was not to be showy to benefit our egos in our giving.

The second thing Jesus taught us not to talk about is praying. Again, just like giving, the Pharisees mocked authentic prayer because they wanted others to see them while they stood on street corners praying.

Those of us raised in the church understand how easy it is to talk about prayer, have Bible studies about prayer, and listen to sermons about prayer. The challenge comes in actually praying!

Getting up earlier than we need to to make time for prayer is a challenging discipline. Many pray “on the run,” meaning they have no quiet time and just catch a few moments as they go to work.

God indeed hears our sincere “on the run” prayers, but it is much more honoring to Him if we dedicate a slice of time to that specific purpose: prayer. Even if our time is limited, take time and give real focus!

I dedicate time to God. Giving time comes naturally to me, as it flows from fellowship with the One I am giving to!

Father, grant me Your spirit of self-control that I may dedicate time to be alone with You and find my strength in You! In Jesus’s Name, amen.