Simplicity is a potential theme idea for the first thirteen verses of Matthew 6. God wants us to serve people wholeheartedly and without fanfare. Calling attention to our good deeds is not a requirement of God. We do not earn extra favour with God because of how many good deeds we attempt to cram into our day. We should serve from a overwhelmed heart because God’s grace has first overflowed in us.
Simplicity is applicable in all areas of our lives, including prayer. God tells us to just be ourselves before Him. He wants us to speak with the language we’re comfortable in, using words we can easily spell and define. There are things that God can reveal when our hearts are not clogged with charades and pretenses. The second half of verse six jumps out.
The focus will shift from you to God.
Admittedly, the majority of our personal prayer time is often self-focused. Our intentions for prayer, usually, are to get answers from God. Sometimes the need is ours, be it for health, financial, evidence of His omnipresence and many other purposes. Other times, we pray, interceding on behalf of someone else. We believe that in saying the right words or quoting the right Scriptures–God’s own words–back to Him, He will have to respond in affirmation of our requests.
And God does want us to come to Him. He loves to hear from us. Yes, He most certainly does meet our needs and answers many of our prayer requests.
God also has a distinct simplicity to His complex character. He wants to connect with us. He desires a deep and meaningful intimacy with every single person He created. The best way to get to know someone well is to spend time in their presence.The best way to get better acquainted with God is to spend time in His presence. In addition to talking to God, we need to also listen for what He has to say.
When was the last time we asked ‘How are you today, God?’ When was the last time we prayed and but didn’t asked for anything?
Let’s spend time being with God, basking in His presence, as simply and honestly as we can manage. Let’s shift our focus to God.
