Pastor's Blog
"Prayer”
Matthew 6:4-6 (NRSV)
4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Concerning Prayer
5 “And 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. 6 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 was the last time you prayed? Do you practice prayer daily? It is easy to forget to pray because our lives are so goal-oriented and tied to deadlines to meet for our work. How can we change that? Prayer does not have to been seen to be heard.
I have a pastor friend that works in Roanoke but lives in Floyd, VA. She has an hour's drive each day back and forth to work. She takes that time for prayer each day. Of course, she prays with her eyes open because she is driving. This is a way she is making use of her time to have prayer. It is not seen by everyone; perhaps no one notices at all? She is praying for people for two hours a day. That is amazing, and yet it is so simple that anyone could do it.
What is a way that you could incorporate prayer into your day? Maybe you have a commute that you drive? Perhaps you are the first one in your office at work? Where are these opportunities for you to pray? Remember, it does not have to be seen. Think about this and realize that you to may have a place to pray each day.
Prayer needs to be incorporated into our daily lives. Prayers give us a place to share our concerns and joys with God. These prayers do not have to be eloquent. You just have to take time to speak to God and be truthful. Taking that time can provide some peace for your soul and mind. This is from a section of Matthew that almost sounds like a wisdom section from Jesus himself. This is fitting because, in Chapter five, Jesus is speaking the beatitudes to the crowd. So, it is a section of wisdom from Jesus.
If Jesus thinks it is essential, so, should you? Prayer is one of the pillars of our faith. When is the last time you prayed in secret?
Peace,
Pastor Harvey