|
|
PRAYERS.
The instruction from the inspired Word of God is
that we must not pray as the hypocrites do, "standing in the synagogues... to
be visible to men." (Matt 6:5). Needless to say, this conceit is
still being carried on, regardless of scriptural warnings against offenders.
"TO BE VISIBLE TO MEN"? (6:5).
Paul said: "I will pray
with the [gift of the] Spirit, but I will also pray with [my] mind".
(1 Cor 14:15). He did not teach that we should pray publicly, or
to listen to those praying publicly with their mind on our behalf.
The apostle Luke recorded Jesus' words of warning on this point, that we should
beware of the "doctors of law" who desire prominence among the people, and who
"eat up the property of widows, while they say long prayers for appearance'
sake". (Luke 20:45-47 NEB).
Gathering together in God's Name is for the purpose of partaking of His Holy
Word. It is not to pray aloud "to be visible to men" for one's
self-glorification. What other reason could there be why so many still do it?
HOW TO PRAY.
"You, however, when you pray,
go into your private room... pray to your Father who is in secret; then your
Father who looks on in secret will repay you." (6:6). And yet,
people still pray publicly, and often by prearrangement. But this is not an
arrangement acceptable to God. In the book of Matthew we are told what to pray
for, but only as an acceptable model. (6:7‑13 NEB).
In praying to our Heavenly Father for blessings upon others, we can only
effectively do so in secret. We become known in spirit by Christ Jesus the
Firstborn Son of God, and not through conceited individuals with a spirit of
rebellion against the arrangement of God. Nor is there any allowance whatsoever
for mediators other than The Christ Jesus, in any location, manner, or
circumstance. Only The Christ has been given the prerogative of offering up our
prayers and sacrifices (acceptable supplications to God).
In their desire to appear 'holy' by prayerful
words "visible to men" rather than by holy deeds many who are aware of the
foregoing instructions still practice the sin of praying publicly. They brazenly
maintain this hypocrisy with every deceitful excuse, in order that they may
appear godlike before the people. They are supported in their evil doing by
other mere men elected to their ruling council or governing body; sitting
in the temple of The God claiming to be "a god". They will have their reward in
full. (Matt 6:5. 2 Thess 2:3-12). Almighty God judges such lawlessness without
exemption.
9/12/85. |
|