Behind Closed Doorsنموونە

Day 2) Prayer

Three Indicators Of Authentic Prayer

1) It Flows From Relationship

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6 ESV)

The theme of “Behind Closed Doors” comes into full focus when Jesus commands us to "shut the door” in preparation for prayer. Perhaps more than any other factor, the quality and fervency of our prayer life shapes every aspect of our Christian walk. At the onset of His instructions, Jesus makes it personal by highlighting the importance of talking to our Father. This intimate statement should remind us that prayer is not simply the dry repetition of empty phrases, but it is a meaningful conversation with your perfect heavenly Father.

2) It Forms Your Choices

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:7-13 ESV)

Jesus’ outline for a healthy approach to prayer touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives. It is a plea for the perfect nature of heaven to impact everything, from the way we seek provision to the way we handle conflict. When we pray, we are asking for God’s help to navigate every problem that comes our way, shaping the way we live and interact with the world around us.

3) It Requires Forgiveness

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV)

Jesus closes His remarks on prayer by emphasizing the importance of forgiveness. He makes an undeniable connection between God’s forgiveness of us and our forgiveness of others. If we don’t understand one of them, we will struggle to live out the other. As Christians, we are able to freely forgive those who hurt us because God forgave the debt we owed Him through Jesus’ finished work on the cross!

Big Idea: Private prayer is a deeply personal connection with our Heavenly Father that shapes our lives, aligns our choices with His will, and calls us to extend the forgiveness we’ve received.

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) What does your private prayer life indicate about your relationship with God as your Father?

Question 2) How has prayer shaped the way you respond to daily needs, challenges, or conflicts with others?

Question 3) Why do you think Jesus ties forgiveness so closely to prayer, and how does that challenge you to forgive others?