Aren't I Wonderful? Written by Neal Bowes

Thursday, July 29

Matthew 6:6
⁶ 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.

When Jesus is saying this, he's talking about some people who he witnesses standing up and praying in front of everybody. They aren't actually praying to get closer God. They're praying to call attention to themselves: "Oh, look at me, I'm such a great person because I pray. Aren't I wonderful?"

Jesus says God isn't impressed with that. Prayer is all about honoring God, not about honoring ourselves. So, he says, go into your room, into a quiet, private place, to pray.

There is another good reason to seek out a quiet place for your praying: there's a better chance you'll hear God speaking back.

In the Bible, there are a few times when God's voice booms out of the sky--but only a few. Much of the rest of the time, God speaks very quietly. Samuel was dosing in bed when he heard God calling to him. God spoke to Solomon in a dream. And Elijah heard the voice of God only as a gentle whisper.

Many of us say that we never hear God talking to us--we never feel as though we get direction from God. But if we're being honest, many of us will say that we never stop to listen for God, either. With all the distractions of friends and family and music and TV and homework and instant messages, how can we really expect to hear God if we don't make an effort to listen.

Do you have a quiet place to pray everyday? If not, seek one out. Starting today, as part of your daily prayer time, take a few moments in the silence to listen for God's voice. Be patient and wait upon the Lord. Give it a try for several days.


If today's devotion spoke to you in a particular way and you feel led to share your thoughts with others, please do so.