Read Matthew 6:5-8
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 (NLT)
The purpose of prayer is not to impress others with our spirituality, but to talk to God, to talk with God, to gain a deeper understanding of His will. As we connect daily to God, we gain His joy, His peace, and can be content with His provision for all aspects of our lives.
“Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:4 (NLT)
As he does in all the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus here again deals not with what we do, but with our heart. We can choose to bless others with resources in return for public acclaim, or we can do it in response to God’s love and generosity toward us. Staying close to God helps us recognize and respond to the leading of the Spirit as we give to the needy.
