[Jesus said]: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Jesus was reacting against people who made a great show of their praying. They prayed in the synagogues and at street corners because they were looking for an audience. Jesus obviously wasn’t saying that it was wrong to pray in synagogues and at street corners but that it was wrong to turn prayer into a religious performance totally focused on people and not on God.
Jesus drew attention to the importance of private prayer, because this reveals where the heart is.
Jesus could see that many of the most religious people in His society lived their lives furthest away from God. The word ‘religion’ is often thought to mean ‘bind back’. It ties people to a particular set of beliefs and practices, but it is easy for religion to become merely a performance. Jesus’ desire was to renew people’s hearts so that, through their relationship with God, they would want to honour and serve Him.
At the end of the day, anyone can pray a long prayer, give money or fast, but what matters is where their heart is.
I wonder where you find it best to have your quiet time with God. In a busy life and noisy household this can be hard to achieve, but it will be the most important moment of your day.
Question Why is it so crucial to have a quiet time with God each day?
Prayer Lord God, help me to live so close to You that my words and actions flow out of my relationship with You. Amen

Released on 7 Nov 2026