|
by Alan Stroud
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites.
For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners
of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to
you, they have their reward. 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." (Matt.
6:5-6 NKJV)
THE SHUT DOOR - Jesus is contrasting two kinds of prayer. Not
just public & private prayer, but real & artificial prayer.
I love a nice, juicy red apple. I've also seen fruit displays
that LOOKED tasty, but were decorated with wax fruit! No real
substance, just a decoration!
The pretenders love to pray, to be seen by men. That's all they
get - an impressed audience! They don't have much use for private
prayer, because they have no audience.
The possessors, those who have a genuine, vital relationship with
the Father, have a "shut door policy." Their "Keep
Out" sign shuts out distractions, duties, other priorities,
wandering thoughts, and the conspiracy of interruptions that steal
our focus.
THE SECRET PLACE - This is the place that's too intimate,
personal & real for anybody else! Our Father is there! He is our
omnipotent audience of ONE!
This is where God deals with us & we deal with God. I wonder
if this is where the greatest work is done IN US! This is the place
that prepares us for public life.
We learn much about our God & ourselves in the secret place.
Are we comfortable alone with Him - praying? How long has it been
since our last "solo time?"
Those who pray often secretly develop a deep confidence &
tenacious faith. We don't find them always praying "if it be
Thy will," because they know His heart!
THE SEAL OF APPROVAL - The Father's reward; open joy! Jesus said
to ask and receive that your joy may be full. What a joy to know
that the only One who can really answer gives us His ear &
heart! He responds to our prayer!
The Father's reward; answered prayer! One morning recently I was
grieved for having missed a couple of opportunities to share Christ.
I was grieved at my lack of openness & willingness to share. I
went to my secret place & talked to my Father about it. Then I
went about my "busy" day. That afternoon I went to the
prison for afternoon ministry. I was well into my good
"sermon" in Romans when an inmate I didn't know abruptly
raised his hand. He said, "What does it mean to be born
again?"
I led him to the Lord right there. OPEN REWARD! It's as if the
Father said, "Here's an opportunity you can't miss."
Nobody knew the whole story but Him & myself.
Friends, will we SHUT UP AND PRAY?
Alan Stroud was a member of Christian Challenge for 11 years
before accepting the pastorate of Beech Grove Congregational Methodist
Church in Anacoco, LA, where he continues to pastor. He also serves as
the Annual Conference Chairman for the Congregational Methodist Church
in Louisiana. Alan has taught "The Disciple's Heart" in the School
for Christian Workers on several occasions and continues to lead
classes in west Louisiana from time to time. We are pleased to
continue our close relationship with him and have him as a new
contributor to the Eastern Gate Newsletter.
|
