A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

SHUT THE WORLD OUT WHEN YOU PRAY  

Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” 

Satan brings many distractions into your life to interfere with your spiritual life. Your daily routines of life can leave little or no time for you to read the Bible or say your prayers. Today’s distraction for many is their cell phone or I-pad. Are you aware how “glued” you have become to these electronic devices? Do you find that even during a worship service you need to glance at your “screen” to see who is trying to contact you, get the latest news, or check a new message? 

In today’s devotional verse, what Jesus means when He says you should go into your room and close the door is you should withdraw from the world, shut it out and take time to have an intimate, intense session with God telling Him what is on your mind and in your heart and also listening to what He wants to say to you. Yes, even two thousand years ago there were distractions. Jesus encourages you to go into your room, shut the door and block out all of the world’s distractions so there are no distractions or interference between your communication with God and His with you. 

With today’s advice, Jesus’ goal is you will receive all the blessings God intends for you to have. Think of the blessing it is for you to know that through your prayers you communicate to God all that is on your heart and on your mind. Through your confession you unburden your soul of its sins. You receive His peace through His pardon of your sins. He gives you guidance and direction through His word. You are daily reminded of His promise to be with you always. 

Prayer: Lord, by Your Spirit draw me to You everyday in meditation and prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

In holy conversation We speak to God in prayer  
And at His invitation Our deepest thoughts we share.  
We come, His will obeying, As children bringing needs;  
And to support our praying, His Spirit intercedes. 

These holy conversations Begin in childlike ways;  
We bring out supplications And words of thanks and praise.  
With care our Father listens To ev’ry thought expressed,  
Then answers our petitions In ways He knows are best. 

As holy conversation, In silence or by word,  
In ev’ry situation Through Jesus, we are heard.  
So let us pray securely, Expressing hopes and fears  
With confidence that surely Our Father ever hears. 

In Holy Conversation - LSB 772