“Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit. Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. But test everything. Keep what is good, and stay away from everything that is evil.” = 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 ERV
https://www.bible.com/406/1th.5.16-22.erv
Meaningful prayer is core to your loving relationship with God. The key word here is meaningful. What do I mean by meaningful? Sometimes we are all guilty of going through the motions in prayer. For example, how many times have you prayed in thanks before a meal because, “that’s just what you do?” Instead of being meaningful, you do it quick so you can get to the business of eating. How about when you are in group prayer? Are you bowing your head out of deep respect towards Him or are you bowing because that’s what’s expected of you? Do the prayer words really have intense meaning of love towards God?
One thing I have slowly learned as a Christian is God wants my heart. He wants me to pray in total and complete earnest. He wants my prayers to be a complete reflection of love towards Him. It reminds me of people whose words are beautiful but their actions tell you something completely different. When others do this, you really evaluate their honesty. Are they being fake?
So, next time you pray, evaluate whether the prayer has the true intensity it deserves. Personally, if you are just praying because you feel you have to, don’t even bother.
Jesus said:
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them. The truth is, that’s all the reward they will get. But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.” - Matthew 6:5-6 ERV https://www.bible.com/406/mat.6.5-6.erv
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Church Blog Contributor
