"Pray with real intent"
Matthew 6
The winds were calm, the sun giving warmth to those around Him, and only the Savior’s voice was heard on the mount. Christ continued His sermon and began talking about prayer.
“Don’t be those people who pray out loud in the streets or pray standing in the synagogues,” Jesus continued. “The attention of the world is not important.”
Many prayed and preached publicly for attention, but Heavenly Father wanted prayer to be taught correctly.
“When you pray, do it in secret,” He explained. “Pray in your closet, shut the door and pray to your Father in heaven. He will reward you openly. Pray with real intent and stop repeating the same things over and over again,” Christ instructed. “It’s not about how many things you say, but your intent. Heavenly Father already knows what you need before you even ask. Pray with your heart.”
The Savior exuded His love for His disciples, and they felt it. They understood the purpose of His sermon and listened humbly. The inward change began within Christ’s followers with every word He spoke.
“This is how you should pray,” Christ said. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”