Matthew 6:5-6 ” And when you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, 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.”

Jesus was referring to the Pharisees as the hypocrites in these verses. Instead of praying in the quiet confines of the Temple in order to commune with God the Father, they would go out into the loud hubbub of the public market place. There, they would raise their hands to heaven, showcasing their piety, and pray…not addressing God, but attempting to attract attention of the people passing by. Their words were self-seeking, empty phrases that sought to impress others with their self-importance as they conspicuously stood on the street corner. Jesus said that their prayers were empty and nothing more would come from them…for prayer is meant to be sweet close fellowship between a Believer and God, not some spectacle to impress others with words.

Author: kezha1

A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ. View all posts by kezha1