LESSONS IN PRAYER # VII – PIETY, PRETENCE AND PRAYER

The LORD Jesus continues to speak about prayer in the context of fasting, the act and the attitude of it, in Matthew 6:16-18 – “16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

How is fasting connected with prayer? Fasting per se cannot stand on its own, unless it is for a specific purpose. It is always in the context of an extraordinary situation, where one is seeking God, to intervene and help them out of the danger.

Now, the larger point that the LORD is making, is not so much about fasting itself, rather it is about the pretence of piety, and the paraphernalia of pride and pomp.

Piety is not something to be brazenly displayed, to draw the attention of others around us. Rather, piety is an act, an attitude and an offering to the LORD in worship, gratefulness and humility. It is also, to seek the LORD, His approval,  and acceptance of such an offering – the heart and its motives behind, as clean and contrite in His sight.

Such piety is sought by the LORD from us, His disciples, and not some pretentious, proud and pompous display of arrogance and acceptance of the same as good and legitimate worship.

May what we give to the LORD, be a sweet smelling offering, pleasing Him immensely.