John writes:ġ4 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. Alone with his Father, freedom to express His heart fully, Jesus poured out His praise and petitions to the One He knew would hear and respond. Contrast their actions to our Lord who takes great pains to be alone with His Dad – uninterrupted and focused. Ever wanting to impress men they would stand in the synagogue and on the street corners eloquently espousing religious jargon without heart and primarily for show - the praise of men being their reward in full. This appeared to be the habit of the religious elite of His day. Jesus shunned and condemned repetitive prayers that were piously presented to impress men’s ears. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.' Matt 6:5-6 (NIV) 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.

I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. I am reminded of Jesus’ Word to us in the Sermon on the Mount regarding this high calling:ĥ '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. He was forever getting away to remote places to be alone in conversation with His Father. He withdrew to His private devotion setting forth for us an example of secret prayer as well as showing us the high priority He placed upon prayer in His life. He arises while it is still dark He leaves the house sans Starbucks or bottled water or blanket or light He goes off to a remote and private place and He prays fervently to the One unseen. Jesus clearly demonstrates the importance of the priority of prayer. Our Lord presents us with lots of action in this short sentence, leaving us with plenty examples to follow.

Chip ingram prayer