The essence of prayer is an effort to build communication with God. So prayer should be a fundamental form of authentic spirituality and presenting ourselves completely to Him. However, many of us think that prayer must be in the form of a long string of beautiful words. So that the desire to pray often fades or even becomes a mere formality.
Jesus equipped the disciples in terms of prayer. He reminded them not to pray like hypocrites. These people pray to be seen and admired by others. They like to pray in public places such as synagogues or on street corners at certain times. This action places prayer as a show and a tool to show off personal piety. Prayer is no longer a means of sincere communication/relationship with God. Jesus actually taught that when praying it should be done with full sincerity. He described prayer that is done privately in a room. Thus, prayer should be an intimate meeting with God when the human heart and divine will meet without any interference in the form of human motivation.
Jesus also warned the disciples to pray simply. Do not use empty words or meaningless repetitions. Prayer is an opportunity to humble ourselves, realize our dependence on God, and direct our hearts to His will. This is where Jesus taught the ideal model of prayer, which we know as the Lord's Prayer. If we look closely, this prayer shows a balanced structure, including: Respect for God, longing for His will, request for personal needs, confession of sins accompanied by a commitment to forgive, and a request for spiritual protection. The prayer that Jesus taught also shows the humility of creation that depends completely on the sovereignty of the Creator. Through this prayer we are taught that in the end praying is not a demand to God. But rather an invitation to surrender to all of God's provisions.
Bible friends, how have we been praying? May these prayers still be a form of real communication to God and express our deep longing for Him. Let us ask forgiveness if in our prayers there is desire and selfishness. Prayer should be a spark for the creation of a heart that is directed towards God alone.
