The Reward from my Father

By Cory Cooper, Executive Pastor, Orlando Baptist Church, Orlando, FL

Read Matthew 6:5-7.

I have three hobbies that I like to do on a regular basis: running, biking, and playing bass guitar. These hobbies help me clear my mind and push myself mentally and physically. Hobbies like these require tools like running shoes, a bike, guitars, and an endless supply of gadgets and new technology. Oftentimes, I become more obsessed with everyone seeing that I have the latest and greatest “tool,” that I neglect actually doing the hobby. I trade in the thing I love for the approval of others. 

Jesus warns us about something similar when we pray. Public prayer was a pillar of the Jewish religion in the morning, afternoon, and evening. There is nothing wrong with praying in public. Jesus did it several times that we know of. Prayer becomes hypocritical when our motivation is being seen by others instead of pointing those same people to the Father. This man-made reward is shallow and fleeting. Prayers that are long and eloquent can also be hypocritical, trying to sound smart and holy to impress God. Jesus shows us over and over in the gospels that the intentions of the heart matter more than outward sacrifice. Charles Spurgeon said, “Christians’ prayers are measured by weight and not by length. Many of the most prevailing prayers have been as short as they were strong.”

Christians’ prayers are measured by weight and not by length. Many of the most prevailing prayers have been as short as they were strong. Click To Tweet

Prayer that is completely focused on communion with God, praising Him, and giving him glory is where the soul-satisfying reward is found. The reward is the Father himself. Through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, reconciliation with God and adoption as children have been made possible (Colossians 1-2). The Father delights in his children and wants our full attention.

I challenge you to pray today with a focus on praise and adoration. Declaring the greatness of the Lord (Pray through Psalm 145 if you don’t know where to start). Praise God for who He is and allow it to reorient your heart to seek the Father’s reward instead of the world’s reward.

Reflective Questions

1. What can we do to be authentic to God’s calling rather than performing good works?
2. Do you believe that God’s rewards are better than the world’s rewards?
3. How can you make prayer a top priority in your day?

Memory Verse

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:6 (NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, I am thankful that when I pray, You hear me. Help me to always pray with a focus on growing closer to You. I don’t want to sound impressive. I don’t want to use vain repetition. Help my prayers to be authentic. Remind me that I am a sinful person praying to a holy God.

Related Scriptures

John 11:41-42; Matthew 15:36; Colossians 1; Psalm 145; Luke 18:10-13; Isaiah 55:6-7; II Kings 4:33; Isaiah 65:24