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preformed prayers

Matthew 6:5
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

This week we begin our study of prayer. We want to become as prayerful as we can! Prayer is featured and encouraged throughout the Holy Scriptures. Yesterday we read in the Psalms where God spoke through His prophets telling people to pray to Him. Clear instructions to call upon the Lord. A promise that He will answer our prayers. And rightly we should GLORIFY GOD!

Today we return to the Gospel of Matthew to read Jesus's teaching on Prayer to His disciples. "And when thou prayest, thou shalt NOT be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be SEEN of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

Jesus's LESSON is don't show off. Don't make your prayers into a show. Your prayers are communication with God. You want to have a heart-to-heart with God. If you're praying so others around you will hear and have some kind of reaction, then you are not really having an intimate conversation with God. And, whatever reaction you get from other people to your prayers is all the answer you will receive. Think about this and the prayers we see being "performed." 😲
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