Have you ever done something good and hoped someone would notice? It’s a natural feeling. But when it comes to faith—especially prayer—Jesus tells us to think differently. Prayer isn’t for human applause. It’s meant to honor God.
Why We Seek Approval from Others
As believers, one sneaky trap is seeking the praise of others. It feels good, but it pulls us away from what truly matters—pleasing God. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:5: “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
Jesus’ message is clear: If you’re praying to impress others, their approval is all you’ll get. You might gain admiration, but you’ll miss out on a genuine connection with God.
The Pharisees: Praying for Attention
During Jesus’ time, the Pharisees were known for turning prayer into a spectacle. They weren’t praying to draw close to God; they wanted attention. Jesus saw through their motives. Their prayers had become a performance—not an act of worship.
Jesus warns us against this in Matthew 6:5. He reminds us that prayer isn’t about putting on a show—it’s about personal connection with God.
True Prayer: A Heart-to-Heart with God
Prayer is a personal, intimate connection with God. It’s your chance to speak to Him, share your heart, and seek His guidance. But when prayer becomes a tool to get recognition, it loses its purpose.
Remember, prayer isn’t about how you look to the world—it’s about connecting with God. It’s about sincerity and devotion. Jesus wants our prayers to focus on God, not on who’s watching.
Check Your Motives: Why Do You Pray?
Jesus challenges us to reflect on our motives. Why are you praying? Are you seeking to deepen your relationship with God, or are you hoping for recognition from others?
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus gives us clear advice: “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.”
The message is simple: True prayer is about connecting with God, not impressing others. When we focus on God, we experience the beauty of sincere prayer.
Avoiding Performance-Based Faith
When prayer becomes about appearances, we risk turning our faith into a performance. This is dangerous because it shifts the focus from God to ourselves.
The Pharisees cared more about their image than their relationship with God. Jesus calls us to something better—prayers that come from humility and love for God. When we pray with sincerity, we connect deeply with our Heavenly Father, who hears every word.
Reflect on Your Prayer Life
Take a moment to examine your prayer life. Are you praying sincerely, or are you hoping for approval from others? Jesus calls us to pray with genuine hearts, focused on God.
Next time you pray, remember: it’s not about who’s watching. It’s about deepening your connection with God. He’s not interested in how you appear to others—He cares about your heart.
Seeking God’s Approval in Prayer
Ultimately, prayer isn’t about being seen by people—it’s about being seen by God. And God sees every prayer, whether spoken or whispered in your heart. He rewards those who pray in secret (Matthew 6:6).
So, let’s make sure our prayers are focused on God. Let’s avoid the trap of seeking human praise and instead, seek God’s presence. That’s what prayer is truly about—a heart-to-heart with our Heavenly Father.
Devotion on Matthew 6:1-4 found here.
For Deeper Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: If you’re searching for an accessible, powerful commentary, I highly recommend The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 by James Montgomery Boice. This book breaks down Jesus’ teachings with clarity and depth, guiding readers to not only understand but also live out these transformative truths. Explore more about this exceptional commentary here.
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