PROF.
BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons)
MA, PhD.
Call:
+2348037346939
E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com
RELIGIOUS
SHOWMANSHIP OFFERS NO REWARD (PART 2)
THE PRAYER OF THE
HYPOCRITE
…“ When you pray, do
not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues
and on the streets to be seen by men…But when you pray, go into your room,
close the door and pray to your Father”…(Mathew 6:5-6)
INTRODUCTION:
The teaching of Jesus
as cited as the text of this piece shows that the prayers of hypocrites are
efforts in futility, as they are never answered, nor rewarded. Yet, most
adherent of the Christian faith who are aware of this fact still exhibit such
an unbiblical style of prayer. Let it be pointed out also that the instruction,
“when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing
in the synagogues and on the street corners…does not really condemn the open or
congregational prayers, but the religious pride which many bring into prayer. On this note, Jesus
advises that prayers be done in-doors, as a way of overcoming the temptation of
“self exhibition” that could hinder the rewards of one who prays (verses 5-6).
In spite of this, people today still take delight in showcasing their prayer
engagements, may be, to be seen by men. However, the truth is that the prayers of
such individuals are never rewarded, (verse 5). Based on this, please learn
that:
HYPOCRITES PRAY WITH WRONG MOTIVES
One
of the goals of hypocrites in the exercise of prayers is to make people believe
they are pious. It is no gainsaying the fact that hypocrites are people of
hidden agenda that cannot be trusted. They translate this attitude into
whatever they do, including prayer. The Pharisees, during the earthly ministry
of Jesus exhibited a profound level of hypocrisy which portrayed them before the
public as good people simply because of the way the actively prayed in
synagogues and on the streets. However, after a careful study of their
activities, Jesus noted that they were religiously fake, (Mathew 6:5).
Nowadays
too, politicians organise prayer and thanksgiving services in churches and
mosques in which they tell the whole world that God was behind their elections,
whereas, such elections were rigged, and a lot of devilish strategies employed.
They equally engage pastors who pray in government houses for them in an effort
to make the public believe they are religious individuals, whereas, most of
them are members of secret cults/ societies. Gospel preachers of today are not
left out of the show of hypocritical prayers, as most of them often call for
one prayer session or the other in the name of deliverance, whereas, the main
motive is material gain. But, God’s word declares that:
(1)
We
should shun showmanship in prayer, (verse 5);
(2)
Our
prayers should be informed by sincerity of purpose, (verse5);
(3). Showmanship in prayer hinder our Heavenly
Father’s reward (verse 6), etc.
EXHIBITIONISM IS NOT REQUIRED IN PRAYER
Exhibitionism is a type of behvaiour
in which someone tries always to get people’s attention. This is not permitted
in prayer, as the only one whose attention is needed during prayer is God,
(Mathew 6:6). But, at present, people tend to use prayer meetings as exhibition
centres, where they display the stuff they are made of or get what they want.
It is obvious that in this era, most politicians attend prayer sessions for
political reasons; some go there to canvass for votes, others are there to drum
up the preacher’s support, etc. Many more, may have been attending for other
reasons that are not biblically acceptable. Nevertheless, Jesus says, “When you
pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men”, (verse 5). This, by
implication counters every prayer motivated by in-ordinate ambition or personal
aggrandizement. Furthermore, be instructed to always pray in the way:
(1) God
would be pleased and not men, (Verse 5);
(2) You would not lose your reward (verse
5);
(3) God’s attention would be drawn to your
Prayer, (verse 6), etc
NO REWARD FOR THE PRAYERS OF HYPOCRITES
We are experiencing
in this generation a push to pray! pray! pray! without considering the precepts
upon which prayer is established. The Radio-telephoning system of prayer has
been adopted, offering the gospel minister an opportunity of praying for
millions of people through the air-wave. The Internet and television dimensions
of it are as well in place. Also, people of common interests are seen here and
there gathered for players in their bid to attract one favour or the other from
the Lord, Notwithstanding, as good as the aforestated may be, if the motive
behind the engagement of such devices as ministerial apparatus in the exercise
of prayer is informed by “religious showmanship”, it becomes totally wrong, and
therefore, a display of hypocrisy. Once again, “When you pray, do not be like
the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the
street corners to be seen by men”, (Mathew 6:5). Surely, the verdict remains that:
(1) The prayer of a hypocrite cannot attract
any answered
from the Lord, (verse
5);
(2) No matter how elaborate such a prayer
may be, it cannot please God, (verse 5);
(3) People of hypocritical propensity waste
their time in prayer (verse 5), etc.
In
conclusion, be reminded that ”people everywhere ought always to pray and not to
faint”, (Luke 18:1). This expression,
indeed, stresses the importance of prayer. However one in the exercise of
prayer should also take cognizance of the stipulations of the Bible to enable
one reap the dividends that it offers. So, when you pray, do not be like the
hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street
corners to be seen by men--- But when you pray, go into your room (not
necessarily your physical home, but your inner heart) close the door (shut off
every distraction) and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who
sees what is done in secret, will reward you,” (Mathew 6:5-6). ALWAYS KEEP THIS
IN MIND
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