Words from the Rock
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.
Matthew 6:7–8 Message
The longer we’re Christians and around other Christians, the greater the chance that we’ll hear about all kinds of tricky techniques for living the “Christian life.” We can attend seminars or purchase all sorts of how-to books and CDs and charts and formulas and gadgets and stuff. It’s no secret that there’s always something new in “Christian” merchandise. That isn’t to say that some ideas aren’t worthwhile, but in this verse, Jesus reminds us to keep it simple.
That’s because he doesn’t want us to get caught up in a lot of nonsense that might sidetrack us from what’s really important—drawing near to God. Jesus saw firsthand how difficult the Pharisees made it for regular people to get close to God. And Jesus doesn’t want to see that happen with us.
That’s why Jesus warns us that some “prayer techniques” could actually be harmful because they might pull us away from God. He knows our human nature and how we can easily get caught up in fads like “name it and claim it” prayers or “the seven-day prayer plan to a perfect life.” And he knows those fads don’t really work. Oh, they might seem to at first, but eventually we all need to get back to the basics of keeping it simple.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Help me to understand that praying is simply you and me spending time together in earnest conversation. It’s my time to talk with you, to ask you for what I need, to pray for others, to praise you, and to thank you. Sweet and simple.
Amen.
Final Word
When you go without eating, don’t try to look gloomy as those show-offs do when they go without eating. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
Matthew 6:16 CEV
Stone for the Journey
I will keep my prayers sincere and simple—just the way God likes them.