READING: Genesis 30-31, Psalm 11, Mark 12
I can still remember the prayers of some of our church pastors and deacons as I was growing up. I remember them because the same leaders prayed essentially the same prayers every time they prayed publicly. Whether the prayer was an invocation, a blessing, or a benediction, I generally knew what direction the prayer would take. I understand that approach to prayer, though; because praying publicly can be anxiety-producing, it’s usually easier to follow a pattern that’s familiar to you.
Those men were honest men of God who prayed the best way they knew. The religious leaders of whom Jesus spoke in Mark 12, though, were less than honest men. In fact, Jesus warned that they “say long prayers just for show” (Mark 12:40). They were religious—going through the motions and actions of religion—but they did what they did for the wrong motive. Their prayers were not a cry to communicate with God, but instead a clamoring for recognition and esteem. They would be judged more harshly for wearing a religious mantle while also seeking glory and mistreating others.
Here’s the question that echoes in my heart today, though: do I ever change the way I pray publicly based on the nature of the event or the names of the people in the room? I fear it’s easy, in our weakest moments, for many of us to adjust our public prayers so others will be impressed.
PRAYER: “Lord, guard my heart against praying so others will hear my voice. Forgive me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 32-34, Psalm 145, Mark 13