One thing that Jesus tells us not to do when we pray is to be like the Pharisees were. In Matthew 6: 5 Jesus says,
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the Pharisees. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men.”
Last time we looked at praying together in groups, this isn’t a contradiction to that but a warning. Jesus is saying that it is wrong for us to pray so we are seen by men and thought well by them, rather than because we want to talk to Father and ask Him for things. Prayer is not to seek mans approval or honour but to grow in relationship with God. Jesus says that God rewards what He sees in your heart not what everyone else sees. Don’t try to impress those around you just get intimate with Father!!
Sara Jukes
2004-10-11