1735) Every year, as Mother’s Day approaches, I remind my young scholars of the coming day. Many times, some of them say they have no money (or not enough) to get something nice for their moms. When I hear this, I spend a few moments letting them know their mom would love something they made for her or wrote her far more than anything they buy. Why? Because it comes from their hearts.

Matthew 6:7 tells us something similar. Here, Jesus said when you pray, not to dress it up with lofty statements. Jesus is revealing to us the same thing I have told my students.

God wants us to come to him with prayers that reflect our hearts, feelings, and thoughts. Tell God what you did during the day. Tell him about the things you savor or abhor. Thank him for what he did for you. Tell him the things that are confusing and also tell him the truth of your feelings. Ask him for what you need and want. All these things are what God desires in our prayers.

A personalized prayer is much more valuable than ones which are said to impress.