WATCH YOUR ATTITUDE TO PRAYER
MEMORISE
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites (Matthew 6:5a).
READ: Matthew 6:5-15
[5]. “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.
[6]. 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.
[7]. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
[8]. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
[9]. In this manner, therefore, pray: our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
[10]. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
[11]. Give us this day our daily bread.
[12]. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
[13]. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
[14]. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
[15]. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
EXPOSITION
In her book, 'Attitude is Everything', Keith Harrell opines that attitude is a settled way of thinking, or feeling about something. It shows in our actions and defines who we really are. "Attitude" determines our environment, the things and people around us as well as our spiritual and physical statuses. Your attitude affects all your life endeavours; it speaks volumes about the results you achieve in spiritual matters, business activities, social relationships, family life, health management and career. Its impact is keenly felt in your choices and decision-making.
The need to watch your attitude towards prayer is the focal point of consideration in today's devotion. We may be praying earnestly, but with the wrong attitude. A good example is the Lord's teaching on prayer. The Memory Scripture clearly portrays the attitude of those who seek public recognition in their prayer, aiming to gain the applause of others. This is a wrong attitude in prayer. The use of vain repetition is also condemned, among other things (v. 7). Right attitude is crucial for answered prayer (vv. 9-15). May you receive answers to your prayers, via the right attitude, on this International Podcast Day.
PRAYER POINTS
1. I renounce praying like hypocrites and unbelievers, in Jesus' name.
2. Lord, guide me to pray with the right attitude.
3. Pray for CAC Medaiyese Region, our father in the Lord, the Regional Superintendent, and other officers at the various levels as led by the Spirit of God.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 571
1. Pray, always pray; the Holy Spirit pleads.
Within thee all thy daily hourly needs.
2. Pray, always pray; beneath sin's heaviest load
Prayer sees the blood from Jesus' side that flow'd.
3. Pray, always pray; though weary, faint, and lone,
Prayer nestles by the Father's shelt'ring throne.
4. Pray, always pray; amid the world's tur-moil
Prayer keeps the heart at rest, and nerves for toil.
5. Pray, always pray; if joys thy pathway throng.
Pray'r strikes the harp and sings the angels' song.
6. Pray, always pray, if loved one pass the veil.
Pray'r drinks with them of springs that cannot fail
7. All earthly things with earth shall fade away,
Pray'r grasps eternity, pray, always pray.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
AUTHOR
CAC, Christian Education Department.
Remain blessed
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