Daily Word

Out of Duty or Out of Love?

They love to pray . . . that they may be seen of men.

—Matthew 6:5

Having the right reason, the right motive, to pray is important. Many pray in a religious manner just so they can say that they prayed. This makes them feel better about themselves and gives them a sense of satisfaction because they did their duty. You many even think that you are impressing God and others with your prayer life: “Look at me! I prayed two hours today!” But prayer is communication with a real Person. God is real, and He desires fellowship and an intimate relationship with you. He created you on His spiritual level so you could relate to Him and love Him, and true love of and for God should be your motive for anything done in the Kingdom. He loves you and desires to spend time with you. Give God a chance! Come to Him, expecting to hear and receive from Him. Prayer is not a ritual or a duty; it is the privilege of having fellowship with the Father. It is a necessity! He is waiting for you.

And when you pray . . . —Matthew 6:5 NKJV

As Jesus was talking to His disciples about prayer, about communicating with the Father, He did not say “if” you pray; He said “when” you pray. Jesus believed that every day we are to spend time in fellowship with the Father, so He was explaining to His disciples how to do it. Prayer is a privilege given to you so you can have fellowship, relationship, and partnership with almighty God. It is the most important daily activity you can do, because that’s how you can receive direction and recharge your spiritual battery. Start to put aside a period of time each day to talk and listen to God. Little by little, it will grow into a conscious awareness of God throughout your day. You will find yourself in direct, constant communication with God at home, at school, on the job, in the store, in the car, wherever you are. Soon the decisions you make will be good ones; the daily choices you make will be the right ones. The Spirit’s voice and the Word of God will become your answer in every situation, and victorious living will be the result.

. . . and departed into a solitary place. —Mark 1:35

Church prayer meetings are great, and calling a brother or sister to agree in prayer is powerful, but you must also depart to a solitary place. You must make time for just you and your Father to grow in your relationship together. Even in your marriage, between your job and children and worldly affairs, it is essential to get alone with your spouse. Find yourself a solitary time and a place to pray. Set aside a place, a room, a closet, the back porch—wherever you can get alone with God. It should be a place where no distractions can get to you—where you are safe to be alone with Him. If Jesus needed to depart and go to a solitary place, how much more do you need to do the same today?

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. —Mark 1:35

Any time is a good time to set aside a time for prayer, but most men of God, and Jesus Himself, arose in the morning. Why rise and pray in the morning? Because it is before the day begins. Prayer time will get you ready, prepare you, for the day ahead. I found that if I did not take time to pray “before day,” I spent a lot of time repenting “after day.” Go to God first in your day! Get your instructions and commission for the day ahead. Build yourself up by praying in the Holy Ghost. Let the Spirit of God show you things to come in the day ahead. Start out small—fifteen to thirty minutes—and let your prayer life grow! Read and meditate on the precious promises about you—change is certain!