Journal Entry // May 29, 2023
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (ESV)
Matthew 6:5
We must not be like the hypocrites. This is the continued theme of Jesus in this section of the sermon. Jesus is following up his instruction about humble giving by moving us into the inner motivation of prayer. You would think that prayer in and of itself would easily be something that is done with humility as we are prostrating ourselves before God to seek him and converse with him. Yet, Jesus warns us that our prayers, much like our giving, can be done with sinful self-focused motivations that are hypocritical by nature. These prayers are given to be seen by others and are not focused on worshipping and conversing with our God. These hypocritical prayers are the opposite of humbleness as they are meant to be seen by others and to receive their praise.
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