Working on a relationship with God by Gary Rose

Our private prayers are just that - private. They are between us and the Almighty and should be an expression of our heart to God. Yes, we should pray for concerns and blessings, but based on the following text, I think other things should be included as well....

Matthew, Chapter 6 (WEB)

  ⁵  “When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.   ⁶  But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.   ⁷  In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.   ⁸  Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.   ⁹ Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.   ¹⁰  Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.   ¹¹  Give us today our daily bread.   ¹²  Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.   ¹³  Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. (emp. added GDR)

Notice the emphasis in verses 9, 10: Submission and adoration. God is first and should occupy the forefront of our prayer. Secondly, our needs 11-13a: We really need sustenance, understanding and protection. God supplies these things, but in our prayers and our daily living, we must maintain proper attitudes towards ourselves and others. We do these things with God's help and HE deserves praise for what he does and that's where 13b comes in. Notice Jesus' example begins and ends with a focus upon God and this should be reflected in our communication as well.

Prayer is NOT primarily about us and certainly NOT about presenting a show for others. It IS about a relationship with the Almighty and about the love and guidance HE gives us daily!!!

Love God in every aspect of your life and pray like you mean it- it will change your life (and keep changing it). If you aren't doing these things- start today!!!  I would like to think that HE will love you all-the-more for growing closer to HIM!!!