Matthew 6:5-6 (The Message)
5“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
For those of you who read this blog, you’ve probably noticed that recently, I’ve been blogging some scripture and prayers about some stuff that I’m struggling with, primarily my weight, eating habits, and finances. Then in a GREAT message today at The Orchard about prayer, Scott used the above scripture as a reference, and now I’m questioning whether I should be using my blog in this way.
My initial purpose for blogging my prayers, and using the scripture was accountability. I have tried for too long to lose weight on my own, and have recognized that I really need to own my issues, and turn them over to God. It was my hope that my friends would be able to check in occasionally to see how I’m doing. It has been too easy for me to blow smoke about my prayer life and time in the word in the past. I would also like it to be a place for people who are struggling with the same issues, to find encouragement and be a forum for change.
However, in light of this scripture, now I’m not so sure.
I still need the accountability, and after these first few days, I’ve felt the touch of God’s hand in the area more than I ever have in the past. This exercise is bearing fruit, which tends to lead me towards continuing, but I don’t want to be looking for “stardom” as stated above, or a “hipocrite” like the NIV translates.
I truly want to hand this over to God, and I want to do it right, or perhaps more accurately, the way the Word tells me to. Any insight that you might have would be welcomed.
Thanks!!
Doug's Head - enter at your own risk! 
I don’t have a problem with it. I think Jesus was referring to people who prayed things like “thank God I’m not the kind of sinner like so and so”. What’s the difference between blogging a prayer and the published devotionals that write out prayers? I trust that you know what’s in your heart at the time. It might help you to stay authentic. You don’t have to pray for anyone else’s approval or orchestrate anything. I don’t know. ‘s up to you babe. I think if it becomes an issue, the Holy Spirit will let you know and what to do. Let this method work as long as its working.
I think verse 6 refers to the work that you do BEFORE you blog. You have been very thoughtful and insightful in your messages. I think you should continue – if they help YOU. I know your thoughts and daily devotional (which I agree with Joni is what I think of your blogs as) are helping me and probably others. You are not alone in struggles – I have weight struggles too! If you are really worried about this becoming un-authentic, then write your thoughts down for yourself and share them with your wife. Give this a chance and we are praying for your success!
Hi,
I think this use of blogs is growing – it occured to me to set up a blog just for prayer. It has not advertising – no one can see it except God (but there is a potential that someone might land on it by chance) It makes it easy for me to pray while at work. I totally agree about the acountabilty thing, because i can look back on the log and see what i was praying. I’m not claiming a lot for this, but I think you should set up a separate blog for your prayers – i’ve added a topic on wikipedia about ‘prayer blog’