Bible Study Seattle

“Beware, that you perform not your religious duties before men, in order to be observed by them: otherwise, you will obtain no reward from that father of yours in the heavens. When, therefore, thou givest alms, proclaim it not by sound of trumpet, as the hypocrites do, in the assembles and in the streets, that they may be extolled by men. Indeed, I say to you, they have their reward. But thou, when giving alms, let not thy left hand know what your right hand does; so that thine alms may be private, and that father of thine, who sees in secret, will recompense thee. And when you pray, you shall not imitate the hypocrites, for they are fond of standing up in the assembles, and at the corners of the open squares to pray, so as to be observed by men. Indeed, I say to you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou wouldst pray enter into thy private room, and having closed the door, pray to that father of thine who is invisible; and that father of thine, who sees in secret, will recompense thee. And in prayer, use not foolish repetitions, as the hypocrites; for they think that by using many words that they will be accepted.” Matthew 6:1-7

Foolish repetitions – I love that term! Here is described people whose prayers are all about themselves. Have you ever known someone whose prayers are theatrical? Or someone whose prayers drone on and on? Isn’t that irritating? It’s as if they’re only saying, ‘look at me, look at me!’ But The Lord judges the heart. Praying as these hypocrites do fits in with those whose religion is merely empty rituals and rules taught by men.