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“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Matthew 6:6, LSB

Prayer is an important aspect of many religions. For some, it is a very public outward showing of faith and devotion where the goal is to be seen and respected by many. Other religions make it about meditation and clearing the mind of the noise in the heart and mind. In Christianity and the Hebrew faith, it was about a conversation. We, too, can make it a very public thing and there is nothing wrong with public prayers, but God doesn’t want a show He wants us. He wants time for His followers to converse with Him, open and intimate. Our Lord wants time for us to only worry about being seen by Him and not to seek the respect of others in witnessing our prayers. Some will take this as meaning the only good prayer is private prayer, which would not be taking the whole of the ministry of Jesus and Scripture into account. There are times for public prayer, but we are being reminded by our Lord not to forsake our time with Him in private. He desires those still, quiet moments with us. Not because He needs to be told what is going on, but to let us be in conversation with Him. When we pray to our God in these private moments, we pray with confidence that He hears every last word and is there with us as we reveal our hearts to Him. In this, we may find His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.