The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 6:5-8, “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.

8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

It’s only a guess on my part, but I often wonder whether we truly pray as much as we talk about praying. Maybe I’m telling on myself – I hope not! I do sincerely believe in prayer. Sometimes the answers are not at forthcoming as I would like; however, the LORD hears and knows how to time His replies. Perhaps He’s wanting me to comply with directions He’s already given. We need to examine ourselves carefully.

The Scripture tells us to avoid using “meaningless repetition,” as others do. We just need to get down to “brass tacks,” (as my mother used to say) and say what we truly mean. Of course, the LORD knows what we’re going to say before we say it. That’s to be expected; thus, all the more we need to be specific in our requests. What’s more, we need to believe He will respond to us!

Prayer, however, ought not only to be reserved for “needs” in our lives. We ought to praise the LORD for His marvelous gift of salvation and the blessings that accrue from living our lives according to His directions. By the way, the passage quoted above mentions “as the Gentiles do.” Most, if not all, recipients of this Grands Letter, are Gentiles; still, if you are Jewish, I’m confident He intended that qualification to apply to you, too. I pray for Israel, too, as Biblical History reveals Israel will ultimately overcome her adversaries. Oh, what a day to live and experience the glories the LORD has for us!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom