Matthew 6:5-8 Prayer (part 1)

In Matthew 6:5–8, Jesus exposes a subtle danger that still confronts believers today: using prayer as a performance rather than a relationship. Speaking in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts hypocritical, attention-seeking prayer with humble, sincere communion with the Father who sees in secret.

This message walks verse by verse through Jesus’ teaching, showing how prayer can be distorted by pride, public approval, and empty repetition. We will explore what Jesus meant when He warned against praying “to be seen by others,” why secrecy matters in prayer, and how Jesus redefines true spirituality—not as religious display, but as quiet dependence on God.

Most importantly, this sermon highlights the heart of Jesus’ teaching: prayer is not about informing God or impressing people, but about trusting a Father who already knows our needs. When prayer becomes a means of self-promotion, it loses its reward. When prayer becomes an expression of faith, humility, and trust, it draws us into deeper fellowship with God.

Whether you are new to prayer or have prayed for years, this passage calls all of us back to the simplicity, honesty, and reverence that should mark our conversations with the Father.