Verse of the Day 1/8
Matthew 6:6 When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you. Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Today's verse was part of yesterday's read through the New Testament plan. In reading the passage, the few verses that lead up to the Lord's Prayer state three times "when you pray". Stop and think about that for a minute. If the Bible says three times "when you pray" it should be a given, an assumption that we are supposed to pray; regularly; in all situations - at work, play or in worship; and in particular places.
Today's verse tells us to find a room "alone" and close the door. Close out the din of the day; draw near to God in prayer. Have your Bible in hand; read His Word pray over it; and pray for God's guidance; blessings; and His glory. If you are not sure what else to pray for, read the rest of the Lord's prayer.
While we are to close the door and shut out the world; the door is always open for us to pray. Charles Spurgeon writes, "Prayer is an open door which none can shut! Devils may surround you on all sides--but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road is unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy's hand. We can never be taken by force or storm--so long as heavenly help comes down to us to support us in the time of our necessities.
Prayer is never out of season--in summer and in winter its merchandise is precious. Prayer gains an audience with God--in the dead of night, in the midst of business, in the heat of noonday, in the shadows of evening. In every condition, whether of poverty, or sickness, or obscurity, or slander, or sin--your covenant God will welcome your prayer and answer it from His holy place. "
Wherever you find yourself as you read this post and as you consider this passage, know that you can have an audience with God and that He welcomes your prayer. Know too that He will reward you as He leads and gives you grace for the day. You may not have an hour, but read the following hymn. May it inspire and challenge you to make your wishes and wants known to God today.
Sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known
In seasons of distress and grief
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter's snare
By Thy return, sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
The joys I feel, the bliss I share
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for Thy return
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face
And gladly take my station there
And wait for Thee, sweet hour of prayer
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Matthew 6:5-15 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Lord's Prayer
5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.[a]
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,[b]
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,[c]
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.[d]
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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