Your Father knoweth

Matthew 6:8

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Prayer is the greatest privilege that we have. There is no greater honor, and no greater ability; there is nothing more powerful, more potent, or more persuasive than prayer. Prayer is the direct avenue of communication between sinful man and a holy God. It should be entered into with reverence as well as with boldness. We may speak to the God of the universe! But you see, there were many in the time of Christ, as well as in this time, who pray to be seen of men. They would pray standing in the synagogues or corners of the streets so others could hear their long elocutions. They would wax articulate and eloquent so that men would hear them. But does this not entirely miss the mark of what prayer is intended to be? It is not intended to be a man-ward exercise but a God-ward exercise. It was intended to be the channel of communication to God. And the Lord Jesus was very displeased with those who did it only to be seen of men. He told them rather to enter into their closet and there pray to their Father in secret. There is no need for long prayers, for vain repetitions, for empty and meaningless jabber in prayer. It is all just vain jangling. It has no impact, and is not heard by God. Jesus commanded that we be not like unto them.

Instead, our Lord tells us that we don’t need any of this useless chatter because our Father knoweth what things we have need of, before we ask him! He is already before us, preparing the way ahead of us. We need not fear! We don’t need to convince Him of what He must do. We do not need to drag on in long and loquacious prayers. It is unnecessary! For the Lord, our Father, is always intimately acquainted with the needs of our hearts. Our Father knoweth! Indeed, He knows all things, and therefore understands the length and depth of our request before it is uttered from our lips. He is always in our tomorrow and in our future. Take comfort today, brother or sister, in this great and comforting fact. For the Lord Jesus already knows your request. And, furthermore, whatever the imminent problem may be, He also has a solution planned out ahead of time. Trust in Him, knowing that His knowledge is always prior. And therefore, He shall take care of things as they come.

“Father, we praise You that You know all things before we even know of them. We often come upon something troubling and think that we are the first ones to discover it. But Thou, Lord, art from the beginning. Thou dost know what the problem is and have already made provision for its dissolution. You have orchestrated all things according to Your will. With this understanding in our hearts and minds, we now trust You to provide our needs, for You are already acquainted with them all. And we shall praise You for how You will work in these things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”