Nibelheim Autumn

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 :

Praying like a hypocrite

Many times in the past I've been reminded that I haven't been "really" praying to the Lord. Most of the time, when I'm spiritually down, I pray in the cell with words that are more fragrant than flowers, just to [not be] noticed that I wasn't ok. This, however does not mean that whenever I pray with flowery words, I'm not ok. It just dawned upon me that God would have preferred that I didn't pray at all than babble in front of my disciples and make them believe that I was really praying. I often remind them to pray before eating... But lately i was asking myself: "Do I just pray before eating just to not be apprehended or be a bad example?" "Do I really thank the Lord for His blessing on the table?" "Do I really believe that He will empower and give wisdom to my contacts whenever I prayed for them before an exam?" God really knows me and my weaknesses... That's probably why for weeks now, prayer has been the topic of my Quiet time...

The truth hurts but that's how God corrects His children... in truth. I'm glad however that my joy with His Word and fellowship has been restored. I can still savour the sweetness of the time i spent praying last night... At last, after a long time, that burden to pray for my contacts has returned. I pray that He will sustain me continually and protect me from swerving away from what He had set for me.

Praise the Lord!
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Matthew 6:5-10
5"And when you pray, do not 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. 6But 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. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.

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