July 6 – Day 187. Let your Alms be in Secret

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Matthew 6:4, and it reads: “That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” 

The Lord is reminding us that our integrity and sincere care for others will ultimately shine through, for he observes everything, including the intentions and motivations hidden deep within our hearts. He sees the kindness we offer to others, even when no one else is looking. In due time, He will publicly acknowledge our good deeds and reward us in ways that highlight the impact of our selflessness and compassion on the world around us. 

As we pray, let us pray earnestly and make prayer a regular part of our daily lives. When we engage in acts of charity, let us strive to do so with discretion and humility, so that our generosity remains a private matter known only to God and us. This not only enhances the sincerity of our giving but also aligns with the spirit of true selflessness. 

Transcript

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you with our hearts brimming with gratitude for the sacred privilege of prayer. You have graciously bestowed upon us this divine gift, an open invitation to enter into your holy presence, to commune intimately with you, and to lift our voices in praise to the majestic throne of grace. With our heads bowed and spirits reverent, we recognize the deep significance this holy opportunity holds in our lives.

Lord, thank you for reminding us that our acts of kindness, our sacrifices, and our offerings should not be performed for the gaze of men, but solely for you. You teach us that “our alms should be in secret: and our Father which seeth in secret shall reward us openly.” Lord, we acknowledge that our hearts can sometimes be influenced by the fleeting applause of others. Today, we humbly ask that you purify our intentions. Strip away any yearning for recognition, and teach us to serve selflessly, quietly, faithfully, and joyfully, trusting that you see every act of compassion, every thoughtful prayer, and every heartfelt sacrifice made in love.

Father, grant us the strength to give generously, not for the awards of men or the sound of applause, but out of a sincere desire to help. May our lives reflect a spirit of hidden obedience, with acts of mercy performed in silence, and compassion extended to the poor, the hungry, the broken-hearted, and the forgotten. Help us to remember that in caring for the least among us, we are ultimately serving you, the Creator of all.

Lord, you are the God who sees in secret. Thank you for reminding us that your rewards are not momentary like the fleeting praise of men, but rather eternal, richly abundant, and overflowing. You bless us with a peace that surpasses all understanding, a joy that remains unshakable, and treasures in heaven that cannot be destroyed. Help us to direct our gaze away from the temporary pleasures of this life, and towards the everlasting promises you have prepared for us.

Father, you notice the widow who gives her last coin, the weary mother whose prayers are drawn from tears, and the faithful servant laboring quietly in your name. Nothing escapes your watchful eye. You alone comprehend the depths of our hearts, our struggles, and the true motivations behind our actions. You alone hold the eternal rewards that far exceed any recognition offered in this world.

Just as your prophets and apostles bravely faced trials and persecutions with unwavering faith, may we likewise remain steadfast when our own faith is tested. Grant us the boldness to uphold the truth, to walk humbly before you, and to love boundlessly. Remind us that every trial we endure for your glory will one day be gathered like treasures with an open reward, the crowning gift of life that you have promised to those who love and serve you.

Father, bestow upon us the courage in our moments of weakness, the endurance during hardship, and the grace to remain faithful when the path ahead seems long and burdensome. Fill us with your spirit, bestowing upon us patience, compassion, and unwavering perseverance.

Lord, let us never forget that every good thing in our lives comes from you, every blessing, every provision, and every precious breath. We are mere stewards of what you have entrusted to us. Teach us to hold our possessions lightly and cling tightly to your eternal promises.

Lord, we are praying for those in need today: the sick, the hungry, the aching hearts, and the struggling souls. Remind us that you are the God who sees, the God who provides, and the God who comforts. Use us as instruments of your love to reach out to others. May our lives blossom into living prayers, where every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every action of compassion leads others back to you.

Lord, as we conclude this time of prayer, help us to rest in the assurance that you are faithful. You hear us. You see us. You reward everyone who diligently seeks you. And so, with full and grateful hearts, we entrust our thoughts, our actions, and our lives into your loving and divine hands.

In the powerful and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray… Amen.

Everyone. Please have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.