In Matthew 6:5-6 Jesus says, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

 

For years in my office if you sat down at my desk you would see a picture of Times Square in New York City directly in front of you.  It is an awesome picture that captures the energy from everything that happens in Times Square.  It has special effects that blur all of the people and cars to show you how fast everything moves in the city that never sleeps.

 

This picture, however, is not my favorite one at my desk.  If you were to turn to the right you would see three pictures that really aren’t that cool.  No one would ever pay money for them and they don’t show any cool images of famous cities.

 

I love them though.  Know why?  They are paintings from my son Sam who is ten and he made them when he was three especially for me to “hang in my office.”  Those were his words…so, I brought them to work and hung them in my office.

 

Do you know why?  Because to a parent…there is no such thing as bad artwork from your child.  All of you who are parents get this.  It is from their heart and it is just for you.

 

Did you know that God views your prayers to Him the exact same way?  When you send Him your words as one of His kids, He hangs them on His wall.  He doesn’t critique them or point out where you painted outside the lines.  He just treasures them.

 

Just like Sam’s paintings are for no one else but me, your prayers are for no one else other than your heavenly Father.  Just talk to Him about what’s going on in your life.  He will treasure your words.