Don't pray like the Hypocrites

 Don't pray like the Hypocrites

In Colossians we read,

“Devote yourselves to prayer.”

                                                Colossians 4:2.

I think for many Christians prayer is a hard thing to do. They worry they may be doing it wrongly, or asking to much of God, or not asking for the right things. Added to that we may not always see the results of our prayers right away.

For that matter we may not see the results of our prayers this side of heaven. Still we are called to to devote ourselves to prayer.

Luke’s gospel tells us, 

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

                                                                                Luke 5:16

Jesus gave us instruction on how to pray Matthew records, 

"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.  

But 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.  

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

"This, then, is how you should pray: " ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'  

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:5-14.

So if you claim to be a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Do you pray as Jesus taught us to pray?

Please think about it.