So, why do I find myself praying this way? Is it because I want to sound good, or pious or religious? Maybe I don’t want to embarrass myself because I don’t use the proper language (whatever that might be). I find myself thinking, as I listen to someone else pray, “boy, do I wish I could pray like that.” I find I am impressed by the words, perhaps even more than by the thoughts being expressed.
When I pray at home, or with someone else or by myself, I have no one there but God. I don’t need to – and can’t – impress Him. He knows my heart and how I feel. I can have a conversation with Him just like I might talk on the phone to a friend — laugh, cry, ask questions – openly and honestly. There is no reason for me to try and sound like someone I am not. He knows my innermost thoughts and feelings, and what He wants from me is to just open my mouth and heart and share my joys and sorrows, my hurts and disappointments, my thanksgiving and praises. No need to sound good – just say it.
I am not there – yet. I still find myself being too much concerned about how I sound when I pray instead of what I pray. But I am trying to get over my prideful self so God can use my prayers for my good and His glory. As Jesus says at the end of this passage, “. . .and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (v. 7)
