Matthew 6:5-15 (The Message)
And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace. “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and He knows better than you what you need.
God does not want you to impersonate someone else you saw pray well once! He wants you to be you and believe me, He really can handle you being you. Remember, God is not giving you points for a great performance – this is not a talent show! – rather He desires to connect and communicate with you, heart to heart.
When you read through the gospels you see that Jesus had a problem with the performance and hypocrisy (pretence) of the pharisee, not the honest cries of everyday folk. Be honest; God can handle the truth and can’t be shocked by you or how you may be feeling. Let Him know what you love and hate, what makes you happy and what causes you sadness. As with Jeremiah He has known you from before you were born, He did not suddenly notice you when you got saved. When we understand this we can throw away every dusty, wrong-fitting costume that religion and ignorance have convinced us to stupidly wear. Champion, God knows you, loves you and wants to spend time with you in two way conversation – that is prayer.
(Amazing word from Pastor Andy Elmes, Family Church)
Read more on prayer: ‘Praise will not replace your prayer’: https://doctorkanayo.com/2013/01/15/praise-will-not-replace-your-prayer/
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Published by Kanayo Dike-Oduah
Kanayo is a Multi-award winning, Author and Senior leader in education whose experience ranges from being a Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Head of Psychology and Lead Practitioner. Kanayo believes that these 3 elements are the driving force of her ministry and career. D.I.G; Drive, Integrity and Grace.
Having a psychology degree provides me with a broad scope to experience many industries and fields of work. Although, my main aim is to continuously learn and also to share my knowledge and experience with others, within and beyond the constraints of the psychology community. Hence my pursuit to teach!
Hopefully, the readers of this blog will find that it is infested with a scope of psychological knowledge, with the intention of conveying psychology in such a way that it is interesting and understandable to those who aren’t studying it as a discipline. In addition, you will find that I heavily cover various topics aside of psychology such as, Christianity because I am a Christian. I draw both passions together, Psychology and Christianity, observing how they complement and sometimes clash! This blog is where ‘Psychology meets Scripture’.
As well as teaching Psychology, I know God has called me to do something far greater in this world. My passion is for His Word and to encourage others to read the Bible, fall in love with it, but most importantly…fall in love with The Author! My role of teaching is not limited to psychology. I strongly believe God is stirring up the ‘teacher’ office of the Five fold ministry in me.
I’m a doctor by virtue, healing and performing heart surgery with words of encouragement.
I am extremely driven and passionate about getting everyone; both Christians and non-Christians to read, understand and live out the word of God. To achieve this, I’ve created online Bible Challenges, whereby people around the world via social media, read a book in the Bible, one chapter a day and share what they have drawn out from the text. I have numerous Bible challenges, all accessible from my blog (www.doctorkanayo.com) and the YouVersion Bible App where over 250,000 people have completed my devotionals around the world. One Bible Challenge at a time, I aim to change the skewed perceptions of the Bible being irrelevant and to show the true reality that the bible is ‘juicy’, tremendously relevant, fun and easy to read. My one prayer is that my teachings and writings from His word, will touch at least ONE person. That would be a serious mission accomplished to the glory of God!
If you have anything you would like me to blog about, do let me know by either commenting, or contacting me via my contact form.
Thank you for visiting my blog. With love, Kanayo x
View all posts by Kanayo Dike-Oduah
Reblogged this on christopher and commented:
Deep stuff…I was blessed