Excellence in Prayer: Seeking the Father in Secret
Seeking the Father in Secret
Tony Padgett · Brookfield Church of Christ · March 15, 2026
but by a sincere private relationship with God — cultivated with
humility, faith, and obedience."
Excellence in Prayer: Seeking the Father in Secret
Sermon Title: Excellence in Prayer: Seeking the Father in Secret Preacher: Tony Padgett, Brookfield Church of Christ Date Preached: March 15, 2026 YouTube Video: Watch the Full Sermon (Length: 38:40) Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:6; James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; John 4:24; Hebrews 4:15–16; Mark 1:35; Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6–7; Romans 12:12
When Was the Last Time You Really Prayed?
Not the mealtime blessing. Not the quick "Lord, help me get through this traffic." Not even the well-worded public prayer offered on behalf of the congregation. When was the last time you really prayed — alone, honest, unhurried, with nothing to prove and no audience to impress?
If that question lands with a sting, you're not alone. And Tony Padgett's March 15 message is exactly what you need to hear.
The Heart of the Matter: What God Is Actually Looking For
Tony opened with a statement that cuts right through the religious noise: "True excellence in prayer is not measured by public recognition, but by a sincere private relationship with God."
That's the standard. Not eloquence. Not volume. Not how many heads turn your direction when you lead the congregation in prayer. God is looking at one thing — the intent of your heart.
Drawing from Matthew 6:6, Jesus's instruction to pray in secret, Tony reminded us that the Pharisees had prayer all wrong. They performed it. They used it to build a reputation. And Jesus said their reward was exactly what they were after — the admiration of men. Nothing more.
We have something far better available to us: a Father who sees in secret and rewards openly.
1. Excellence in Prayer Requires Sincerity Before God
"Are you doing things to be seen, or are you doing things to glorify Him?" Tony asked. It's a question worth sitting with.
Sincerity in prayer isn't about how you sound — it's about why you pray. John 4:24 tells us that true worshipers must worship God in spirit and in truth. The spirit is your attitude. If that attitude is performance, your prayer is vain, no matter how beautiful the words. If it's genuine communion with your Creator, even the most stumbling, halting prayer has great power. James 5:16 confirms it: the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Tony was clear: God knows the intent of your heart. He is not surprised by anything you do, why you do it, or when you do it. That is either terrifying — or it is deeply freeing. If your heart is sincere, you have nothing to hide.
2. Excellence in Prayer Requires Consistency
"God is not the celestial bellhop," Tony said with his characteristic directness. You don't ring the bell only when you need something. Prayer isn't a spare tire — something you think about only when you've got a flat.
First Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray without ceasing. Tony's interpretation? Make it habitual. Make it a part of your everyday life — not just when you sit down to eat, not just when the bottom falls out.
He pointed to Jesus as the model. Mark 1:35 tells us that Jesus — the Creator of the world in the flesh — rose before dawn, went to a desolate place, and prayed. If the Son of God saw the necessity, who are we to think we can skip it? In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in such anguish that His sweat fell like drops of blood, and still He prayed. His submission — "not My will, but Yours" — was born from a consistent, deep prayer life. Colossians 4:2 says it plainly: "Continue steadfastly in prayer."
Consistency with God in prayer deepens your relationship with Him. It is not occasional. It is foundational.
3. Excellence in Prayer Produces Spiritual Transformation
Here is where Tony brought it home. Prayer isn't just communication — it changes you from the inside out.
Philippians 4:6–7 is the promise: bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving, and the peace of God — which surpasses all understanding — will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. That peace doesn't mean your prayers will always be answered the way you want. Tony was honest about that. David fasted and prayed for his dying son — and the child still died. Paul begged God three times to remove his thorn in the flesh — and God said, "My grace is sufficient." Jesus Himself asked that the cup pass — and went to the cross.
All three men rose, and still served the Lord. Why? Because they knew that even when God says no, life without Him is worse. The peace that guards you through unanswered prayer — that is the fruit of a transformed heart.
As Tony concluded: "When we commit ourselves to private communion with God, our public faith becomes stronger. It starts from within, and it's going to demonstrate itself from without."
Barry's Personal Connection
Having preached at Brookfield for 23 years, I know this congregation values authenticity over performance. Tony's message on private prayer cuts to the heart of what genuine discipleship looks like — not the polished prayer from the pew, but the honest conversation in your car, your kitchen, or on your knees at 5 a.m. I have watched members of this church carry extraordinary burdens with extraordinary peace. I believe it is because they have learned what Tony is teaching: the prayer room is where that peace is built. Don't neglect it.
This Week's Challenge
This week, I challenge you to establish one new, consistent prayer appointment with God. Choose a specific time — morning, midday, or evening — and protect it for seven days. Set a reminder on your phone if you need to. Open with thanksgiving before you make a single request. Write down anything God lays on your heart. Then pray for someone beyond yourself — a family member, a leader, someone in need. Do this every day this week, and see what Philippians 4:6–7 produces in you.
Small Group Discussion Questions
Tony said, "God knows the intent of your heart." How does that truth make you feel about your current prayer life — convicted, comforted, or both? Why?
Mark 1:35 shows Jesus rising before dawn to pray in a deserted place. What does Jesus's own prayer discipline say about the importance of solitude and consistency in prayer? What keeps you from that kind of intentionality?
Tony referenced David, Paul, and Jesus — all of whom prayed with great sincerity and did not receive the answer they wanted. How do you reconcile persistent prayer with God's sovereign "no"? What does 1 John 5:14 teach us about praying "according to His will"?
Tony warned against treating God like a "celestial bellhop" — only calling on Him in crisis. Be honest: does your prayer life tend more toward crisis-mode or consistent communion? What would it take to shift that pattern?
Tony said that as we deepen our private prayer life, our public faith grows stronger. Where have you seen that connection in your own experience or in someone you admire?
Don't Miss the Full Message
Tony Padgett's preaching on prayer is both convicting and deeply encouraging. Watch the full sermon here, and then test your understanding with the interactive Padgett's Perspectives Quiz and Study Game linked below. Share this post with your small group, and visit barrysbureau.org for weekly resources to help you pursue excellence in Christ.
Barry's Bureau | Padgett's Perspectives | Brookfield Church of Christ Inspired by Tony Padgett's sermon at Brookfield Church of Christ, March 15, 2026
Seeking the Father in Secret
1. Click a Scripture Reference on the left column to select it (it will turn purple).
2. Then click the matching teaching on the right column.
3. A correct match turns green. A wrong match flashes red — try again!
4. Match all 8 pairs to complete the game.
Tip: Think about what Tony said about each scripture in the sermon!