When Jesus began to speak in chapter 6, He began by discussing acts of charity (6:1-4). He said people who do charity just so others would see them have NO REWARD from God. He went on to teach about prayer after that and continued in a similar vein. He said:
“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.” Matthew 6:6 (KJV)
When I examined Matthew 6:6 in the context of the Greek text, the Holy Spirit gave me an awesome revelation.
Jesus was telling us that our attitude in prayer determines the results we receive when we pray. He said hypocrites pray so that they may be seen and they have their reward, that is, the fruit that comes naturally from toils and endeavors, for these types of prayers.
However, He said when we pray to God we are to find a very private place like a storeroom, an inner chamber or a secret room. We are to go into it and shut up the door so that the room is inaccessible, then pray to God our Father who is hidden or concealed.
Jesus also said when we pray in this manner our Heavenly Father sees our prayer, which is also hidden and concealed, and gives us plainly recognizable things originating from Himself. He rewards us like this simply because He said He would.
Even though Jesus did not need to verify the truth of His teaching, He did so when He said:
"...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Matthew 6:8b (KJV)
Our heavenly Father knows everything about us, knows all our needs and wants, and knows what we intend to ask for, long before we even think about asking. He simply wants our attitude of prayer to be according to His Word in Matthew 6:6 and He will give us of Himself and let everyone know. How awesome is that?
Praise Him now! HalleluJah!
This post is linked to: PRAYER IS LIKE BREATHING.
