Just Jesus

Shut your door…Matthew 6:6

There are times when prayer should be personal and private. A time when we retreat to our room and shut the door. That is, we get as far away from public view as possible. A time when prayer is just between us and our Father.

During these prayer times we avoid “vain repetitions” (verse 7) and the ears of others. It is a time of intimacy when to pray otherwise might sabotage our words. A time when we pray for others and not for their approval. Otherwise, we may be tempted to pray for the benefit of others. For their ears. In other words, we might step over into the prayers of the hypocrite, verse 6. According to Jesus, hypocrite prayers are offered not to God but for the hearing of others. These prayers have already been rewarded, verse 6.

This does not negate public prayers. First century Christians were known for praying together. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers, Acts 2:42. Paul and his team prayed for others, making mention of you in our prayers, 1 Thessalonians 1:2. Paul encouraged the church to always pray, Ephesians 6:18 and prayers were to be a part of the fellowship of the church along with singing.

Even so, Jesus instructed us to also pray privately, in our room with the door shut. In this way, we could enjoy the personal privacy of praying with just Jesus. In secret. Just Jesus and you, alone!