It may seem that Jesus is condemning public prayer, which of course he is not, as he openly prays in front of others. Instead, he is condemning the “hypocrites” who pray meaningless prayers because they do not know who they are praying to. The meaning of the word “hypocrite” here is “ungodly” and their prayers are “ungodly” because they are for the judgement and reward of man rather than our good and loving Heavenly Father. When we know who we come to in prayer we can be short, direct and kingdom focused in