The Heart of Prayer

The Heart of Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 6:5–15

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites... But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen...”
(Matthew 6:5-6, NIV)

Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus invites us to reimagine prayer not as performance, but as a sacred, private connection with our Father. He contrasts two types of prayer: the showy, empty kind that seeks human approval, and the quiet, sincere kind that seeks God's presence.

Jesus warns us not to use many words just for the sake of sounding spiritual. Why? Because God already knows what we need before we ask (v. 8). That truth frees us from striving in prayer and leads us into resting in His grace.

I've done a lot of reading and contemplation this year on prayer, solitude, and rest. It's an art and action that our society has drifted so far from that the idea seems foreign and not just foreign but counterproductive. In a world where speed and efficiency reigns, prayer and solitude suffers. I don't pretend to know the details of how prayer works and how it coincides with the wisdom, will, and sovereignty of God. What I do know is that it works and it is what we are designed for.

Then Jesus gives us what we call the Lord’s Prayer. It’s not just a prayer to recite—it’s a model of how to approach God. Each line carries deep meaning:

“Our Father in heaven” – Prayer begins with relationship. We don’t approach a distant deity but a loving Father.

“Hallowed be your name” – Worship centers us on who God is, setting our hearts on His holiness. He is unlike anything else we will ever know.

“Your kingdom come...” – Prayer aligns our will with His. We ask not just for our desires, but for His reign in our lives and in the world.

“Give us today our daily bread” – A simple yet profound request for daily provision and trust.

“Forgive us... as we forgive” – Prayer is a place for grace. It calls us to receive mercy and extend it.

“Deliver us from evil” – We lean on God for strength in spiritual battle.

Prayer is not about eloquence—it’s about intimacy. It’s a quiet conversation with the One who knows, loves, and sustains us. In a noisy world, Jesus invites us to step into the stillness, into a room (moment) where no one is watching but God—and there, to meet our Father.

Some helpful tips when prayer and time with the Lord is difficult:

#1 Silence is ok. It is often in the moments where I am still and at a loss of words that the Spirit of God brings something or someone to my mind and I end up praying for something that I had no intention of praying for. It is also in these moments where if I am intentional, I can sense the presence of God with me and the Father looking down on me. It can be a powerful experience.

#2 Recite Scripture. The Psalms are a great resource. Psalm 91 has been one of my favorites as of late. It helps put into words thoughts that I have and helps give me future phrases to pray down the road.

#3 Memorize Creeds and Catechism's. Using strong biblical truths that have been packed into simple but dense statements help remind my mind, heart, and soul the God which I approach in prayer and all that He has done throughout history. I'd recommend starting with the Apostles Creed or Nicene Creed and then something like the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith or the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

#4 Consistency is more important than perfection. There are days where this comes very easy and it is a joyous experience! There are days I don't stop long enough to have a moment like this. What I've learned is the more consistent I have been the more I long for it. Don't beat yourself up if you only spent 30 seconds in prayer with the Lord and it was weird. There is a rhythm and relational aspect to it. Just like it's difficult to know what to talk about in any new relationship, you might find it that way with the Lord. But the more you do it, the more your soul will crave it and the more natural it will become. Don't strive for perfection just consistency. Start with 2 minutes every day for a week. Then try 5 minutes the next. See if you can work up to 30 minutes or an hour. I know life is crazy but your soul and heart will thank you for it!

Prayer:

Father, teach me to pray from the heart. Strip away my need for performance or approval. Help me to come to You in quiet trust, knowing You hear me, love me, and already know what I need. Shape my desires to match Your will, and help me to live in forgiveness and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love you guys!
Pastor Jeret