The Simplicity of Prayer

Sometimes we make prayer to be so much more complicated than is necessary.  Prayer is really a simple way of connecting to God.  Yet some take it to extremes or measures that are more about drawing attention to them.

We are told in Matthew 6:6 to “Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God.  Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.  The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace” (Message).

I can’t tell you the number of times I have been at a Bible study or church service and been around those who seemed to be putting on an act.  So much attention is drawn to them because they are praying loudly or with great animation.  They pray for a simple request for 10 minutes or more. 

Now I understand that we all pray differently and I’m not trying to say that if you pray lengthy prayers or you use a loud tone there is something wrong.  I’m referring to those who really are about putting the spotlight on them. 

The thing about going to a secluded place is we have no one to put on a show for.  It’s just us and God.  No one is around to distract us.  And it’s there that we simply and honestly begin to pray. 

The simplicity of prayer is the most beautiful.  Its real and its genuine.  It isn’t about eloquence or long words.  It isn’t about “sounding right” or coming across as being very spiritual.  It is being who you are before the One who created you.

Early in my Christian walk I used to wish I could pray like others.  I would constantly compare myself to them and therefore, I was always afraid to pray out loud.  Over time I began to discover that God wants me to come before Him just as I am.  Now I don’t fear praying in public because I am comfortable just being me.

When we do this, the focus turns from us to God.  That’s where the focus needs to be anyway. 

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