https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=257394924434450&set=vb.101670060006938&type=2&theater
The picture is of a squirrel thanking its benefactor. And if you click on the link, you can hear its "Thank you!!!". But, you will probably have to do it a couple of times to hear everything- you will understand what I mean when you click on the link. I laughed when I listened and finally heard everything, but I wondered... What if this is a squirrel's thanksgiving prayer? It would be a good example of saying the right things in a wrong way- wouldn't it??? Jesus had to confront inappropriate prayer as well. Read on to find out how he did it......
Matthew, Chapter 6
5 “When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 8 Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. 9 Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. ’
Prayer is a reflection of the heart, a mirror of the condition of the soul and an indicator of your spiritual well-being!!! The Pharisees were bad examples because of their attitudes and Jesus confronted their teaching example with one of his own. Jesus' attitude is one we should emulate, but even a correct action can be performed incorrectly- so, REMEMBER THE SQUIRREL AND DO NOT PRAY THAT FAST!!! PLEASE!!!!!
PS. Thanks to Walter Vogt for putting this on facebook today!!!
Prayer is a reflection of the heart, a mirror of the condition of the soul and an indicator of your spiritual well-being!!! The Pharisees were bad examples because of their attitudes and Jesus confronted their teaching example with one of his own. Jesus' attitude is one we should emulate, but even a correct action can be performed incorrectly- so, REMEMBER THE SQUIRREL AND DO NOT PRAY THAT FAST!!! PLEASE!!!!!
PS. Thanks to Walter Vogt for putting this on facebook today!!!