JEHOVAH IS AN APPRECIATIVE GOD - "Your Father Who Looks On in Secret Will Repay You

"Your Father Who Looks On in Secret Will Repay You

Another evidence that Jehovah appreciates and values our expressions of godly devotion can be seen in what the Bible says about prayer.  "The prayer of the upright ones is a pleasure to [God],"  noted the wise man. (Proverbs 15:8)  In Jesus' day many religious leaders prayed publicly, not out of genuine piety, but out of a desire to impress men.  "They are having their reward in full,"  said Jesus.  "However, when you pray,"  he instructed his followers,"go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you." -Matthew 6:5, 6.

Of course, Jesus was not condemning public prayer, for he himself prayed publicly on certain occasions.  (Luke 9:16)  Jehovah deeply appreciates it when we pray to him from a sincere heart, with no thought of impressing others.  Our private prayers, in fact, are a good indicator of the depth of our love for God and our trust in him.  Hence, it comes as no surprise that Jesus often sought out private places to pray.  Once, he did this "early in the morning, while it was still dark." At another time, "he went up into the mountain by himself to pray."  And before choosing the 12 apostles, Jesus spent the whole night alone in prayer. -Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12, 13.

Imagine how closely Jehovah must have listened to his Son's heartfelt expressions!  Indeed, Jesus at times prayed "with strong outcries and tears, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear."  (Hebrews 5:7; Luke 22:41-44)  When our prayers reflect such sincerity and depth of feeling, we may be certain that our heavenly Father listens closely and appreciatively.  Yes,  "Jehovah is near to all those . . . who call upon him in trueness." -Psalm 145:18.

Next time:  Conclusion of  JEHOVAH IS AN APPRECIATIVE GOD - "Your Father Who Looks On in Secret Will Repay You

The Watchtower, 2007