But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:6 NKJV
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus instructs on prayer, emphasizing its significance. He underscores the necessity of praying personally, highlighting the individual’s role in seeking God. This verse directs us not only to pray but to pray effectively, ensuring that our prayers are heard and rewarded. It’s about praying effectively to receive answers, not just going through the motions.
When Jesus says, “But you, when you pray,” He speaks directly to each individual, stressing personal responsibility in prayer. Before we examine others’ prayer lives, we must assess our own. This verse serves as a personal call to prayer, urging us to take heed of our prayer lives and ensure we’re aligning with God’s expectations. It’s not just about communal worship. Just as we breathe individually, our prayer life shouldn’t be delegated to others.
Moreover, the phrase “when you pray” highlights the necessity rather than the possibility of prayer. It’s not a matter of if we pray but when we pray. This shifts our perspective, reminding us of the vital role prayer plays in our lives as believers. Prayer isn’t optional; it’s a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. While others might pray for you, God desires your communication with Him.
Furthermore, Jesus instructs us to pray to “your Father who is in the secret place.” Here, He emphasizes the intimacy and personal connection we have with God as His children. Knowing who you’re addressing is crucial. You’re not praying to a distant entity but to a loving Father. Our prayers should reflect this relationship, characterized by reverence, humility, and confidence in approaching our Heavenly Father.
However, before we utter our requests, Jesus prompts us to consider our relationship with God. Are we truly His children, or are we strangers in His presence? This verse emphasizes establishing a child-father connection before seeking answers. The Bible clarifies that becoming a child of God is a conscious choice. It’s not automatic just because you attend church. Have you been “born again” (John 1:12-13)? Being born again is essential for this intimate connection with God. Without this spiritual rebirth, our prayers may fall on deaf ears.
Therefore, when we approach God in prayer, we must do so as His children, not as strangers. This requires humility, boldness, and a deep understanding of our identity in Christ. Only then can we expect our prayers to be heard and rewarded by our loving Father.
So, when you pray as a child of God, you come with humility, boldness, and a clear understanding of your requests. You approach your Father with the confidence of a child seeking their parent’s help.
In conclusion, Matthew 6:6 serves as a personal call to prayer, reminding us of our individual responsibility to seek God diligently. It prompts us to assess our prayer lives, ensuring that we approach God as His beloved children. Therefore, let us pray confidently, knowing that our Father in heaven hears and rewards those who earnestly seek Him.