Long Religious Prayers Impress God? Since I was a young boy, I used to admire those who were called on in the church to lead public prayer. They seemed to use just the right words and I knew that God really was impressed by their prayers. But was He, what does the Bible say about Long Religious Prayers? In the times when Jesus walked on this earth, Religious leaders loved to make a big act when they prayed. But, it seems that Jesus was not impressed by these prayers and those who prayed them. Matthew 23:14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour (take) widows houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; (about doing it for the Lord) therefore you will receive greater condemnation. Mark 12:38-40 In His teaching He (Jesus) was saying: Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long (Religious) robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39 and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 40 who devour widows houses, and for appearances sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation. Luke 20:46-47 Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47who devour widows houses, and for appearances sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation. The people were shocked to hear these words about their Religious leaders! But Jesus who knew the hearts of all, knew that it was all a pretense to gain peoples respect and praise. So Jesus told them, how God really wants you to pray. Matthew 6:5-8 When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites (one who pretends, but does not possess); for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. The people were again shocked at Jesus’ words. Most of the people were simple farmers and stonemasons. They couldn’t enter the temple to pray. But they could enter their closets. The point? God is not impressed with fancy dress or pretense. You do not need to try to wow Him with where you pray! Or with the eloquence of your words. Instead God is looking for the pure in heart, who comes with an honest and a sincere heart, with the power of a simple, truthful, heartfelt prayer of Love. So whether you are called on in church to lead a public prayer, or just feel that God is calling you to pray, where ever you are. Go to Him with Humbleness, Thanksgiving in all things, Praise for Who He is, being honest and sincere with your Love. Oh and Long prayers, where you repeat the same phrases, does not impress Him, instead just tell Him what you are requesting of Him, and then leave it in His Hands, and His peace will be with you through Faith, just as His Word tells us to do. After all Jesus opened the door for all of us to go to the Father in Prayer. Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension (understanding), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. https://youtube/watch?v=qrPAZbD6fG0
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:38:36 +0000
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