Matthew 6:5, 8-9, (NKJV), "When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men... Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. This, then, is how you should pray..."

Think

Someone once asked, "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" For too many, prayer is only a spare tire, buried in the trunk of your heart. You get in a tight spot, so you pop open the trunk and lob a prayer heavenward. It's really a last resort. You don't really expect an answer, but at least you have done something. If you only pray when you are in trouble, you're in trouble. Reciting out loud a laundry list of needs is not the essence of prayer. Praying in front of others to gain their sympathy or admiration should not be our motivation. So, why do we pray? Doesn't God already know what we need? Jesus is letting us know that God does know everything, but some things He will not act on until there's relational communication with Him over the issue. God is saying, "I know what you need. I just want to know if you really need Me and want to talk with Me about it." Prayer is not meant to be a show for others, it's meant to show God your dependence on Him. When we acknowledge our need for Him, prayer becomes our steering wheel, not a spare tire.

Act

Take a moment to evaluate why you do or do not pray. Write down what comes to mind and reflect on what you write throughout the day. Let God show you whether prayer is your steering wheel or your spare tire.

Pray

Dear God, I thank You that You know what I need in every situation. I want You to know that I need You and desire to talk with You about all my life issues. Amen.