What does it mean to not be like the hypocrites in prayer (Matthew 6:5)?

According to Jesus, our motivation is as crucial as our conduct. In Matthew 6:5, He states, “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 others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” To be a hypocrite in prayer is to pray with the wrong motive—seeking acknowledgement by people.

Hypocrisy can take many forms. One of those forms is to seek public venues for prayer for the express purpose of being seen by men. There is nothing wrong with praying in public, per se. But the hypocrites’ aim in prayer was to demonstrate their righteousness, wanting other people to see them as pious and therefore to be admired. They loved to be conspicuous in their praying. Jesus emphasizes that, for those who pray with that type of motive, the approval of others will be their sole reward. They should expect no reward from God.

While reading the Gospels, it is important to remember that the Pharisees were considered the most devout people of their time. Paul, raised as a Pharisee, stated that he adhered strictly to the law (Philippians 3:5). But Jesus calls them “hypocrites” because, in many cases, they masked their greed and self-indulgence with a fair show of religious observance (see Matthew 23:13). It is not typically the unbelieving sinner who risks being like a Pharisee; rather, it is the biblical Christian who can fall into the trap of self-righteousness and pride. Jesus’ teachings serve as a warning to us. Prayer is not to be used as a means of gaining the plaudits of men.

Rather than praying like hypocrites, Jesus offers the right approach: “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.” True spirituality isn’t based on outward behavior or appearances. Prayer, public or otherwise, is a means of communing with God and should never be pursued for human praise.

Hypocrites are pretenders. They are actors (the Greek word translated “hypocrite” literally means “actor”). When we come to God in prayer, we should not pretend. There should be no play-acting or feigning or dissembling; instead, the one who prays should bring a sincere, heartfelt seeking after God. Here are some tips to avoid being like the hypocrites in prayer: