Really Praying
While visiting with my friend last week, it was decided that we needed to pray about a project that we were involved in. Since her 4 year old daughter was present we asked if she wanted to join in with us. She came and stood by us and then climbed into her mothers lap as we prayed.
When the final amen had been said the precious little girl glanced at both of us and announced, “I didn’t really pray.” I burst into laughter and loved the honesty of that child. She has learned at a young age what many adults have not—that just because you bow your head and close your eyes it does not necessarily mean that you are praying.
There are many other things that can be going on in our hearts and minds during times of prayer. Our thoughts can be turned towards our plans for later. We can be distracted by other things going on around us. We can be daydreaming. We can be absorbed in ourselves. When these are the focus instead of our Father in heaven, we are probably not really praying either.
Prayer should be focused on God and on our worship of Him. It is not really about us at all, but about Him and who He is and what He wants. Most of us have it backwards, we go to God and tell Him what we want and then quickly exit without giving Him any time at all.
Will you examine your prayer life and see if you are really praying or just playing the game?
Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
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