30-Day New Testament Prayer Devotional: Walking in Prayer with Jesus and the Early Church

Reading: Matthew 6:1-4, 16-18 Reflection: Jesus emphasizes the importance of private, sincere prayer rather than public displays of piety. True prayer is about connecting with God, not impressing others.

Reflection: These passages emphasize private devotion over public display. Just as giving and fasting should be done in secret, our prayers should come from a sincere heart seeking God alone, not trying to impress others.

Let's apply the 5 keywords to these passages about private devotion:

"Father"

• The passage repeatedly mentions "your Father who sees in secret"
• Focus: Pray knowing you have an intimate, personal audience with God
• Checklist: Am I praying to impress God or others?

"Praise"

• Notice there's no public performance needed in true worship
• Focus: Genuine adoration over showy demonstrations
• Checklist: Is my worship authentic or for show?

"Will"

• God's will is for sincere, private devotion
• Focus: Aligning with God's desire for genuine relationship
• Checklist: Am I seeking God's approval or human approval?

"Needs"

• This passage shows we can bring our practices of faith (prayer, fasting, giving) privately
• Focus: Present your needs to God alone
• Checklist: Do I trust God to see and meet my needs without public validation?

"Protection"

• Protection from hypocrisy and pride
• Focus: Guard against the temptation to make prayer a performance
• Checklist: Am I being authentic in my private prayer life?

Prayer Prompt: How can I find a quiet, private space and spend time in silent communion with God, reflecting on these passages?

Matthew 6:1-4: "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Matthew 6:16-18: "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."