This is the continuation of an earlier essay that invited us
to measure our faith by Mathew Chapter 5. We now proceed to Matthew Chapter 6.
Maybe we will also learn something here as well.
1. Have you been taught to pray with many words/repetitive
words some of which you have memorized and some that you rattle off as you read
them from a prayer book? Are you of the firm view that there is some virtue in
being labeled a prayer warrior because you can pray loudly with your fist and
legs kicking the air non-stop for hours on end? In that case please check
whether this is in keeping with verses 7 and 8:
7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans,
for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like
them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
2. If your prayers are always centered on invoking fire and
brimstone of your enemies seen and unseen then see whether your attitude can
stand in the face of the statements in verses 14 and 15.
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against
you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive
others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
3. If all your prayers are centered on making the next
billion of dollars and pounds and you have let some teachers convince you that
the god they serve is not poor but a god of silver and gold which he bestows on
those who give a tenth of their income or donate huge sums to them, please be
advised by the words of verse 24.
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the
one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the
other. You cannot serve both God and money.
4. If all your prayer points are mainly about how to obtain
visas to travel abroad, promotion at work, having a marriage partner, miracle
of sudden riches and exotic cars, then pause and ask: how many times have I
pleaded fervently for God’s Will to be done in my life? Have I ever prayed
earnestly to be led to the way of righteousness which leads to the Lord’s
kingdom? Remember now the words of verses 31-33 which says:
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What
shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these
things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first
his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.
We will discuss Chapter 7 in conclusion.
May we all strive from now to seek first the Kingdom of
heaven and its righteousness!
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