Lesson 3126

(Lesson 3126)(07-23-2020) Matthew 6:5-8
    “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus gave clear and precise instructions as to how His disciples are to offer up a humble and productive prayer. Yet, today, in almost every church service, where most of those in attendance are presumed to be biblically aware, there will be someone standing praying aloud while supposedly “leading” others in prayer. Why does that happen when Jesus Himself, very clearly, told His disciples not to do it.
    Just as today’s quote states, our prayers are to be raised in secret, just as Jesus said. The ONLY POSSIBLE purpose for offering up a public prayer is to draw attention to the person who is praying. There is NO scriptural foundation for anyone, ever, being given instructions, or authority, to “lead” prayer.~