A Greater Righteousness (9)

Greeting

Good morning! My name is Joel Cossins, and I’m the pastor here at Libby COTN. I’d like to welcome all of our guests here today, especially to those of you checking us out online. Hello! If you’ve not yet visited us in person, I look forward to the day we can welcome you to our fellowship. You should know when you visit, you will most likely be invited to stay after, as we have a potluck every Sunday after the service—unless otherwise noted. So, come hungry for an encounter with JESUS and bring your appetite for food, as well!

Announce text: Matthew 6:5-8

Key Text: Matthew 6:5-8

Review

At this time, we’re going to play a little BP video to recap what we went over last week.

insert BP review video if available

Ok, so that was our review.

Before we get started this morning, I want to review our definition for the word working in the context of practicing the “means of grace”—spiritual disciplines, sacraments of the church. Remember, the word working can also be any derivative of the word or any synonyms, e.g., like the words in parenthesis on the screen or performing, practicing, etc.—these words might be used to describe how we carry out these religious practices. It’s important to remember this perspective—this is what we mean when we use those words in that context. Okay? So, let’s say this together again on three. Ready? One … Two ...

Working is partnering with GOD, not trying (striving/efforting) to earn HIS Favor.

repeat without the parenthesis

pause for effect and transition

There’s a topic I have been feeling the desire to preach on, and I think we might be transitioning to it after we wrap up our current series—at least, I feel it will be fairly soon—it’s the topic of prayer. Prayer is one of the most important and diverse spiritual disciplines we have at our disposal in this journey with CHRIST. It is a lifeline—meant to be continual in our daily lives—as it is the means to the abiding Presence of GOD JESUS talked about in the book of John. The power of prayer is transformative in both the lives of individuals and in communities. Yet it is a resource that we don’t often use—or at least, not as often as we should—perhaps like Communion.

There are many types of prayer with one of the most important aspects of prayer often overlooked—that of listening. Prayer is not meant to be a monologue—it is a dialogue. This might be what separates CHRISTianity from a lot of other religions in that way, also. Prayer is communion with our Heavenly FATHER.

For some, prayer might be intimidating. How do I pray? What do I say? That can be especially true when praying publicly—what we call communal prayer.

You know, I try to be as transparent with you as I can, so I’m going to be a little vulnerable with you this morning for your benefit. You know what is intimidating to me? Public prayer. I know some of you might be surprised by that.

act it out: nodding in agreement—wait! what?

Yes, public prayer is sometimes intimidating to me. Why? Have you ever been around people who seem to really know how to pray? I mean, their words are so eloquent, just the right amount of passion—fervor, so on point with what surely sounds like the heartbeat of GOD, a beautiful flow to what they’re praying. It sounds amazing and stirs a desire in our own hearts to cry out a hearty, “AMEN!” YES! Have you ever been a group of people like that, and you’re asked to pray?

Oh, no! Now, that question, “what do i say?” takes on a heavy, unnerving, anxious weight to it. Almost simultaneously are the questions, “what if i don’t use the right words? what are people going to think?”—and that’s just in the presence of CHRISTians! They’re bad enough! What about when you know unbelievers are there?

Put yourself in my shoes—imagine with me … our roles are reversed … here are some of the scenarios I find myself in repeatedly.

church - pastoral prayer (or anytime an event at church … where’s pastor???)

LMA - 24 hours of prayer

national day of prayer (ball field)

prayer conference

large family gatherings

visitation

in homes

what about in hospitals?

when you (friends & loved ones) desperately longing for healing that doesn’t look like it’s going to come

hospice—Joyce

declarations

weddings—prayers of blessing

funerals—prayers of comfort

again: unbelievers

those present

what if the person who dies was an unbeliever on top of it? what do you pray?

pressure to ...

sound impressive

pray longer prayer (feeds into the sound)

pray the right way

not forget anything

insert the appropriate message for the given context, e.g., hope at a funeral,

feels like performance—not genuine

I know the answer to this question, but I will ask it anyway for your benefit … Have you ever felt this way?

pastor calls on you to pray during communion

you’re asked by someone to bless the food at the potluck

pastor asks you to pray for the request you bring (you thought he or someone else would pray)

All of this betrays the fact that we are human, and perhaps more than that, it might be revealing an immaturity in this area of spiritual discipline. It could be just the context of that moment in time, that it’s not immaturity, but a reorienting our perspective is in order—to repent.

lay it on thick ...

You know … If only there was some kind of instruction manual or something that could tell us how to handle situations like this ...

Oh, wait! That’s right! There is. There’s a book called the Bible that has answers for complex situations like these, and wouldn’t you know it? JESUS is going to address this in the next section of Scripture in our series this morning.

Announce text again: Matthew 6:5-8

Scripture Reading

Matthew 6:5–8 NASB95

5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Prayer for added blessing to the reading of the Word

Message

The title for today’s message is The Power of an Audience of One: Transforming Our Prayer Life.

So, last week we began the shift to the second movement of the main body of JESUS’ message which focuses on religious practices—any regular habit we adopt to nurture a right relationship with GOD and with those around us. JESUS is highlighting three religious practices that were standard expressions of Jewish devotion in HIS day, and they are still expressions of religious practice we should be participating in today, as well. These came with a warning—beware! Be careful that your religious devotion to GOD doesn’t become a way for you elevate yourself in the eyes of others! These spiritual disciplines are generosity to the poor, prayer, and fasting. Last week we looked at generosity to the poor. This week we’re looking at what JESUS has to say about prayer from our text this morning.

In Matthew 6:5-8, JESUS teaches about the nature of true prayer, emphasizing the importance of sincerity over performance—in this case, I mean showmanship—and the intimate connection we should cultivate with GOD.

Try to commit this to memory: the main takeaway for this morning’s message is ...

Big Idea: True prayer is not about impressing others; it’s about connecting deeply with GOD, who sees in secret and rewards openly.

In our passage, JESUS is going to teach about the deep need we have for authenticity in prayer, the danger of hypocrisy, and the invitation to seek the FATHER in private, intimate communion. HE will outline for us practical steps for improving our prayer life—ensuring we don’t have to deal with these things we’ve identified in our introduction—as HE emphasizes the importance of humility before the FATHER.

So, let us see what HOLY SPIRIT has highlighted for us this morning, and what HE might continue to highlight from each verse as we walk through them together.

1. Private Prayer, Profound Power

There are a couple thing from last week that we are going to bring forward now, as we said JESUS was setting the tone for the entire second movement of HIS message—that on religious practices. We’re going to see some of these things resurface right away in v.5. Let’s read this again together.

Matthew 6:5 NASB95

5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

I’m not sure which will appear to you first, but just let me present them in this way. Notice, there is our word from last week again—hypocrites. Remember, this is not the modern definition for hypocrite that we have today—this isn’t saying we do something or instructing someone else to do something that we don’t do ourselves. I like the language N.T. Wright uses—-these characters are “play-actors.” It’s where we get the modern term actor from. These are people who do the right things but for the wrong reasons.

The other thing we see employed here is the pattern we learned from last week: religious practice + heart motive = reward, or more simply, action + motive = reward. The religious practice/action JESUS is focusing on is prayer—in this case public prayer. This will be the constant in HIS examples, and in this case we see the heart motive is again to be seen by men. The reward is they get what they wanted—temporary, fleeting honor from man.

What’s interesting about this is the posture of prayer—namely, “they love to stand and pray in synagogues and on street corners.” What is that all about? Sometime around the Exile (maybe before, def. after), a Hebrew tradition was formed for fixed-hour prayer. In this tradition, you would say specific prayers—like the Shema (& others)—at specific times during the day. If you were living in Jersualem, you could go to the synagogue and pray with the clergy there. However, if you were out and about running errands, and it’s prayer time, you would stop right where you are and say your prayers.

!!! BE BRIEF !!! contrast examples: Turkey vs. Saudi

So, they developed this rhythm of prayer in their culture, which is really cool, but as is often the case, people begin to see ways to take advantage of this. So, maybe I need to go to the market today, and I’d really like to go and get it over with—because who really loves grocery shopping … I mean, really. But, I realize, I could wait an hour or so before heading over to Shekleco to get my kosher pickles knowing at some point it will be prayer time and I will have to stop to pray where a bunch of people will see me performing my spiritual discipline and think really highly of me.

Can you picture this—the lure of positioning yourself in that way? Observers might admire your apparent devotion, and if that’s your goal you’ll indeed gain their praise, but, as JESUS points out, that is the only reward you’ll receive. Prayer is not about public recognition or gaining earthly approval.

Let us examine our own lives. What motivates you in your prayer life? When asked to pray publicly, do you seek GOD? Do you seek attention from others? Maybe that’s not your heart-motive (to be seen), but do you worry about what and how you should pray because your afraid of what others will think (how you will be seen)?

Look at JESUS example. HE was devoted to prayer, yet HE never used public prayer as a platform for self‑promotion. HE warned that even our prayer practices can become a calculated effort to win approval. However, if we align ourselves with HIS example, we find there is a way to cultivate a life that prioritizes authentic communion over outward appearances.

So, after exposing the incorrect posture of prayer, JESUS transitions to a proper posture.

2. Silent Solitude, Sacred Spaces

There is a deeper, lasting reward that awaits those who pray privately for GOD’s sake. What’s strange to me is that during this study, I have discovered there are some CHRISTians who think this next verse is an edict against corporate prayer and those who lead in prayer when gathering together. That seems crazy to me, but in v.6 we read:

Matthew 6:6 NASB95

6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

So, the religious practice/action doesn’t change—JESUS is focusing on is prayer—though, the posture of prayer does. The motive, instead of being seen by others, is kind of implied here—to be seen by our Heavenly FATHER—there’s the audience of ONE focus again. The reward is an eternal reward from the FATHER. The Words of JESUS here are directed toward the proper posture of prayer that reflects pure heart motives. Prayer is about spending time with and turning our attention to our FATHER—HIS children desiring to spend time with HIM.

JESUS' instruction to 'go into your room, close the door' signifies the importance of eliminating distractions and focusing solely on the FATHER. This private communion nurtures an intimacy where true transformation occurs. In prayer, we share thoughts and concerns with our FATHER, trusting that HE always hears and responds in ways that work for our good.

Philippians 2:13 NASB95

13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Romans 8:28 NASB95

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

All things? What about when things aren’t working out how we want? Or when we’re feeling opposition from spiritual darkness? We know this principle from GOD’s Word that what the enemy intends for evil, GOD turns for our good. I love the way The Message words it:

Genesis 50:20a MSG

20 Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good ...

So, our Heavenly FATHER loves HIS kids, and HE’s always working for their good. One good way to check whether our motives are good is to pray when no one can see or hear. But again, this isn’t a static rule but one part of a deeper wisdom. JESUS prayed alone often and also with his followers and in front of large public audiences. Both are important ways of connecting to our FATHER, but neither should be done out of motivation for self-promotion.

This week, will you be intentional in your pursuit of solitude when you pray? Will you find a sacred space—this, by the way, is where we get the CHRISTianese, “prayer closet”—where you can consistently meet with your FATHER to experience the richness of HIS Presence and guidance in your life, as modeled by JESUS?

After reorienting our perspective to the proper posture for prayer, JESUS turns HIS attention to the practice of prayer.

3. Meaningful Moments, Minimal Words

JESUS is addressing the specific prayer practices of the cultures that were surrounding Israel at this time. The Greeks and the Romans commonly prayed long prayers with a lot of repetition hoping to persuade their false gods to act. So, in v.7, JESUS says:

Matthew 6:7 NASB95

7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.

The story that immediately came to mind when reading this verse is the story of Elijah vs. the prophets of baal. Perhaps you might remember the story?

Elijah’s Showdown with the Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20‑40)

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel have led Israel into baal worship. Elijah challenges the nation: “If the LORD is GOD, follow HIM; if baal, follow baal.” Elijah then gathers 450 prophets of baal and 400 Israelites on Mount Carmel. Both sides prepare a bull sacrifice, but the fire must come from GOD. The prophets of baal call on their god from morning till noon, shouting, dancing, and even cutting themselves, yet no fire appears.

Elijah then drenches his altar with water three times, steps forward and offers a short, direct prayer that asks GOD to reveal HIMSELF.

1 Kings 18:36–37 NASB95

36 At the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word. 37 “Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again.”

In response to Elijah’s prayer, GOD sends fire that consumes the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the water. The crowd acknowledges the LORD as the true GOD, and Elijah orders the execution of the false prophets. The episode dramatically vindicates YHWH and turns Israel back to HIM.

So, JESUS instructs us to emphasize the importance of genuine conversation over rote repetition in prayer. HE condemns 'babbling like pagans,' pointing to the futility of empty phrases.

This week, as you are intentional about finding a quiet place of retreat for prayer, will you speak from your heart to your FATHER as a child? Instead of worrying about “the right words” or repeating the same thing over-and-over, use whatever words come to your mind that share your true feelings and needs. This honest dialogue is where meaningful relationship with our FATHER blossoms. By focusing on authenticity, we can reflect CHRIST’s relational approach to prayer.

After reorienting our perspective from common, vain repetitions and more word salad than a Kamala Harris interview, JESUS explains why in the next verse.

4. Trusting Triumph, Timeless Trust

At the heart of this verse is a return to trust. Just as in the Garden, where all of humanity’s needs were met, JESUS reveals something of the eternal nature of our Heavenly FATHER. In v.8, we read:

Matthew 6:8 NASB95

8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

JESUS portrays GOD as our Heavenly FATHER—an emphasis of mine throughout this message that you might have picked up. Not all of us have experienced what it’s like to have a good earthly father, but the good ones care for their children. Our heavenly FATHER loves us more than any earthly father can comprehend—and this is why I keep trying to hammer that home. All of us have an amazing Heavenly FATHER who cares deeply about HIS children. In Luke 12:7, we read:

Luke 12:7 NASB95

7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

The smallest detail about us is important to our FATHER. Imagine how much greater is HIS Love?

Matthew 7:11 NASB95

11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

And if that’s not enough, HE came to earth to demonstrate selfless love and give HIS life for us.

So, our Heavenly FATHER has intimate knowledge of our needs before we even ask. JESUS reassures us that the FATHER knows what we need, reminding us of HIS omniscience and care.

Reflecting back to the Garden, we were meant to walk with HIM in the cool of the day. GOD knew Adam and Eve and they knew HIM intimately—there was nothing separating them. HE already knew their needs and made provision for them—they didn’t need to ask for anything. There was no need unfulfilled.

Do you realize, we can share in that same experience? Maybe we can’t walk physically with our FATHER in the cool of the day—but we can spiritually when we are intentional about spending time with HIM in the secret places of our heart!

Do you trust in the FATHER’s perfect understanding of your situations? Do you reset in the assurance of our FATHER’s Provision?

When we trust in the FATHER in this manner, it mirrors CHRIST’s own confidence in HIS FATHER, and fosters a deeper reliance on HIM—like a young child with his earthly father.

So, pj … What’s the point?

Conclusion

Remember: True prayer is not about impressing others; it’s about connecting deeply with GOD, who sees in secret and rewards openly.

As we close this morning’s message on "The Power of an Audience of One: Transforming Our Prayer Life," remember JESUS’ clear call in Matthew 6:5–8: true prayer is not a performance for human eyes or ears, but an intimate conversation with our Heavenly FATHER WHO sees in secret and rewards openly.

Whether leading a pastoral prayer in church, opening at a community event like the National Day of Prayer, blessing a meal at a large family gathering, praying during visitation or in homes, standing at a hospital bedside longing for healing, comforting mourners at a funeral (believer or unbeliever), pronouncing blessing at a wedding, or even when called on unexpectedly to pray over communion, a request, or the potluck—let these moments be driven by one motive: connecting deeply with our FATHER, not impressing those listening.

JESUS warns against hypocrisy—play-acting for praise—and vain repetition, urging instead sincere, heart-to-heart dialogue with the FATHER WHO already knows our needs. When we pray with an audience of ONE, anxiety fades, eloquence doesn’t matter, and authentic communion flourishes.

JESUS HIMSELF modeled this: retreating often to solitary places to pray, yet never seeking applause. HIS prayers were raw, trusting, and aligned with the FATHER’s will—even in Gethsemane’s agony.

So this week, commit to prayer that honors our Heavenly FATHER alone. Find your “inner room,” speak simply from the heart, and trust the FATHER WHO hears. May our prayer lives become less about performance and more about profound relationship, transforming us and drawing us closer to HIM.

Let’s pray.

Closing prayer & benediction

Numbers 6:24–26 NASB95

The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’

Scripture records the following words in v.27:

Numbers 6:27 GW

“So whenever they use my name to bless the Israelites, I will bless them.” 

So, receive and go with the blessings of YAHWEH!