Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Teachings Online

What is Hitbodedut? Praying in Seclusion

When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. Mattityahu / Matthew 6:5-15 (TEV) God created you and so he wants you to be the real you. By being authentic when you speak to God, you worship him as you Creator. For years I copied the prayers of other people. I noticed they used certain words and even a special tone of voice. I imitated all the religious clichés: "Lead, guide and direct us, O Lord." "Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies." "Bless the gift and the giver." In the Besora Tova HaGeula (Good News of Redemption), we hear of people who had prayers which were wordy, meaningless rituals (some [...]