2026.08.23 Sermon: A Misunderstood Invitation
Westside Family Church
Pastor: JJ Lane
Matthew 6:5-6 ESV
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Jesus isn’t after our performance.
He’s after our heart.
Notes:
Billy Graham wishes he prayed more.
The invitation to pray is not to pray more.
The intention of prayer is to pray close
#1 - Prayer isn’t a performance.
Matthew 6:7-8 ESV
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Notes:
Performative Runners
#2 - Prayer isn’t transactional.
Prayer isn’t about getting something from God.
Prayer is about getting God.
James 4:8New International Version
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Matthew 6:9 ESV Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Our picture of God shapes how we pray to God.
The invitation of prayer is not to get something from God.
The invitation of prayer is to be with Him and become like Him.
Notes:
Tim Keller’s “Wake Up a King” Quote
The quote is: “The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access.”
Meaning and context
Timothy Keller, a prominent Christian minister and author, used this metaphor to illustrate the unconditional, selfless love of a child toward a parent. In the image, the “king” represents the parent, and the “child” is the one who will go to great lengths — even disturbing the king’s sleep — simply to meet a basic need.
Keller’s point is that children naturally have a level of access and trust that no one else does. They are willing to act without calculation of reward, because their love is not tied to conditions or reciprocity. This reflects a deep, instinctive devotion that adults often lose as they grow.
PRAY TOGETHER:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
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