What NOT to Do to be Known

SCRIPTURE: But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:6-8 NIV

THOUGHT: Sometimes knowing how not to do something helps you better understand how to do the thing right. In this case, Jesus teaches how to pray (in secret), then how not to pray (using lots and lots of meaningless words in order to be heard above the voices of other babblers). That’s not the way to be known by God, he says, and then promises, “your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

I wonder if Jesus might have been thinking of the counsel of Solomon, “When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, but he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise (Prov. 10:19 AMP).” That same wise man also said of prayer, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few (Ecc. 5:2 NIV).”

Don’t be like that (wordy, quick, hasty). Do be like this (thoughtfully silent, in control of your lips, just a few well-chosen words).

But why? What is the point? Is God irritated when he hears too many words at once, like a scene from Bruce Almighty in which Bruce must organize overwhelming prayer requests on sticky notes or in file cabinets? Hilarious, but I don’t think that’s it.

Jesus teaches that the Father already knows us. Like a loving parent, God watches us closely enough that he knows what we need before we even ask.

To be both known and loved is a wonderful thing. It’s a promise of rest, really, an invitation to sit across from that friend who knows you so well you don’t really need to say anything.

SONG: In the Garden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhIGIfsLxVk

PRAYER: It changes the way I come to you, Father, when I hear Jesus’ promise that I am deeply known before I say a word; you already know what I need before I do. I rest in your presence, wanting to know you as well as you do me.