As we continue to the second topic (prayer) in this section on “piety”, we’ll spend two week here. Jesus is still comparing and contrasting what is done with what should be done. We begin with our main passage: Matthew 6:1, 5-8 (prayer in solitude).
What is Jesus saying in this passage? Why would he be concerned with how we pray? Isn’t praying in and of itself enough? What does prayer “do” (what is the function and purpose of prayer)? Is it simply a manner of requesting things from God? Try praying differently this week as you consider these passages (see the back of this sheet for guidance).
As you read these passages, pray that today will be a day of patterning your life after that of Jesus Christ, responding in his new way of the Kingdom of God. Remember to reflect upon each of the passages in light of what Jesus says in our main passage for the week.
Monday, October 3 - Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
Tuesday, October 4 - Matthew 6:1, 5-8, Psalm 91
Wednesday, October 5 - Matthew 6:1, 5-8, Luke 18:9-14
Thursday, October 6 - Matthew 6:1, 5-8, I Thessalonians 5:12-28
Friday, October 7 - Matthew 6:1, 5-8, Romans 8:18-28
Saturday, October 8 - Matthew 6:1, 5-8, Matthew 6:9-15 and 26:36-46
Sunday, October 9 - Come to worship with your church family!
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Go and do likewise:
A great way to study Jesus’ words is to actually try them.
Are your only times of prayer those with others? Try this week to pray in the times when you’re alone as well. Perhaps this means turning the radio or music off, getting up from the computer for a bit, skipping a television show, or getting up earlier than usual. Take a walk. Find a garden or park or forest. Go to the beach where the waves drown out most of the rest of the noise around you. Go for a drive. There are many ways that you can find yourself alone to pray.
If words are hard to come by, just listen. And try to ignore the other “voices” that remind you of how busy you are and all that you must get done. Remember that Jesus himself often intentionally left the busyness of the crowd to get away and pray to his Heavenly Father.
But remember that whatever you choose, try and practice what Jesus is saying here:
...whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that 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.
