These two paragraphs are a continuation of Jesus’s famous Sermon On The Mount that began in Chapter 5 of Matthew’s Gospel. I have included both paragraphs because although I wish to eventually focus on The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:5-8 seems to serve as an appropriate introduction.
Jesus began with “when thou prayest”, acknowledging the importance and common practice of prayer among his followers. Also, Jesus prayed both privately (Matthew 14: 23, Mark 1:35) and publicly (John 11:41-42, John 12:27-30). So at a quick glance it seemed as if Jesus was condemning public prayer. This, however, was not the case. He was condemning public prayer done in pride for he continued, “thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.” When public prayer became an exhibition filled with pride and for others to see, it seemed worthless in God’s eyes. - JSS
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