The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 - 7
Chapter 6
When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly in the synagogues and on the street corners so
that people can see them. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 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.
And when you pray, don't keep babbling on like the pagans, who think they will be heard because of their many words.
Don't be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
What does this mean?
This passage is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He instructs His followers on the proper way to pray.
Here's a breakdown of the biblical explanation:
- "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly in the synagogues and on the street
corners so that people can see them. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward."
- Explanation: Jesus warns against praying for the sake of being seen by others. The hypocrites, who pray
publicly in visible places like synagogues and street corners, do so to gain attention and admiration
from people. Jesus says that their reward is the human recognition they receive, but they miss out on
the spiritual reward from God. This teaching emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in
prayer.
- "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."
- Explanation: Jesus advises His followers to pray in private, in a secluded place where they can be alone
with God. This private setting ensures that the focus of the prayer is on communicating with God rather
than impressing others. God, who sees and knows everything done in secret, will reward those who pray
with genuine hearts. This underscores the importance of a personal and intimate relationship with God in
prayer.
- "And when you pray, don't keep babbling on like the pagans, who think they will be heard because of their many
words."
- Explanation: Jesus instructs His followers not to use meaningless repetitions or long-winded prayers
like the pagans (non-believers), who believe that their many words will make their prayers more
effective. This practice reflects a misunderstanding of God's nature, implying that He needs to be
persuaded or informed through excessive talking.
- "Don't be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."
- Explanation: Jesus reassures His followers that God already knows their needs even before they ask. This
teaching highlights God's omniscience and loving care for His people. Prayer is not about informing God
of our needs but about building a relationship with Him, expressing our trust and dependence on Him.
Summary:
In this passage, Jesus teaches the proper attitude and approach to prayer. He warns against praying for show, as the
hypocrites do, and emphasizes the importance of sincerity and privacy in prayer. Jesus also cautions against using
empty repetitions and lengthy prayers, as the pagans do, because God already knows our needs. The focus of prayer
should be on genuine communication with God, trusting in His knowledge and care for us. This teaching encourages a
humble, sincere, and intimate prayer life, centered on a personal relationship with God rather than seeking human
approval or using empty rituals.
