When we talk with the living God of the Bible ““ it is true communication with the Person of God. He hears and answers prayers”¦yours and mine.

Jesus warned His followers about hypocritical prayers:

(NASB) Matthew 6:5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; 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.”

We are warned not to pray to draw attention to our high-sounding words and thoughts. Our prayers are not to be said with the idea that others will give us accolades.

Prayers that are said from the heart speak to hearts and minds. There are some people who are gifted with saying beautiful prayers which lift our thoughts to God. These kinds of prayer are not hypocritical but inspirational. A person”™s private prayer life will be”¦private; but, that kind of prayer life will also be a blessing to others. Gifted pray-ers have a “˜secret”™ life of prayer”¦their relationship to and with the living God will be evidenced through their lives, their words and their prayers in public.

(NASB) Matthew 6:6 “But 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.”

What is your prayer life like?

Do you have a personal life of prayer with God?

Do you practice prayer in a private place?

Do your prayers reveal your dependence on God?

How does Jesus say to pray differently from those without Christ?

(NASB) Matthew 6:7-8 “And 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.

8 So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

When you pray, do you pray expecting God to answer in His way and in His timing? God”™s wisdom is greater than yours and mine.

When we pray and tell our God about our needs ““ we can trust Him to answer according to His all-seeing knowledge for our best.

Praying”¦in secret”¦

when was the last time you talked with the Lord God?