You have probably heard these phrases in ministry – we hear people say things like, “I will pray for you,” or, “I am praying for you,” or, “Have you prayed about it?”

To be honest, sometimes when I hear that, I get mad. I wonder, “Are you really going to pray about it?” or, “Is prayer the only thing you can offer me?” Although it is the thing I am told people are doing for me or the thing I am told I should do, it is often the last thing I think about doing when I am overwhelmed. That’s because that side of me that wants to “fix it” or “figure it out” consumes me and I forget to look up to the One that is steadfast and is always there for me, regardless if I am looking to HIM or not.

In reading the Sermon on the Mount, I am reminded of the importance of prayer and that it should be a priority in my life. Matthew 6:5 says, “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.” 

I love that Jesus says, “And when you pray.” He is telling us and assuming we WILL. We have all met people, or frankly, have even been the person who prays to God to make themselves look good or to prove something. All of us need to be reminded that we can humbly come to God without the audience or even the right words.

I love how relevant this is to our current world as well. He speaks of hypocrites and we are surrounded by what the world says. As Christ followers, we should walk in confidence knowing that HE is God and we can trust Him because He sent us Jesus, who lived among us and lived a perfect life. He was killed and brought back to life three days later. We know we can follow HIM because He kept his promise. If God, who created the universe, sent his only Son to die for us so that we would know truth and grace, we can trust Him with our prayers. We can bring our broken pieces, our messy situations, our unfiltered words, and our tears to the Father.

Let us pray ruthlessly and honestly, because we have no reason not to, and because there are people looking to us. Let’s lead by example.