Daily Devotion 12 November 2025

When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then the Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.   Matthew 6: 6

READING: Matthew 6: 5-8

Matthew gives us several guidelines on private prayer before he gives us the Lord’s Prayer.  What is prayer?  Is it measured words that are memorized, forcefully said, and dramatized, offered with pomp and with arrogant pride?  Is it in words unmatched to the feelings inside?  No … prayer is so often just words unspoken, whispered in tears by the heart that is broken. …. For God is already deeply aware of the burdens we find too heavy to bear.  All we need to do is to seek Him in prayer and without a word He will help us to bear our trials and troubles, our sickness and sorrow.  He will show us the way to a brighter tomorrow…. There’s no need at all for impressive prayer.  For the minute we seek God He is already there!  Matthew says in vs. 8, “Do not be like them, (praying loudly in common places and with fancy words) for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

The Lord says, “Don’t worry, I will not forget you,  I’ve written your name on the palm of my hand.”  (Isaiah 49 : 16) and “Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  And Jesus says,” I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Matthew 14 : 6)

The Lord looks at our hearts.  He looks into our hearts more than he looks at the things we pray about.  He judges the motives of our hearts.

Prayer is the only way to come into the presence of the Lord.  We express our thanks and love to God through prayer.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we give You thanks for teaching us the basis of prayer.  Help us in our inadequateness in expressing our love for You and expressing our deep praise for You. May You receive our deep feelings for You and may Your Name be praised.  Amen