Matthew 6:7,8
“And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
I can recall reading this as a young believer. It reminds me of the church I was raised in. After confession we were told to recite so many “Our Fathers” and so many “Hail Marys”. We would go to the altar and do that. Stand up, turn around and go home. It was thoughtless repetition. It didn’t have to be. It could have been more thoughtful. It rarely was. That was a branch of christianity.
I was watching the news years ago. I saw a segment on terrorists in the middle east. They were in a machine gun nest shooting up at planes. As they pulled the trigger they would shout “Alli Achbar” (spelling) as many times as they were shooting. As if this incantation would guide their bullets. This was not a christian sect. These are two examples of what Jesus says not to do.
Jesus is pointing out that God is one that can be known and be conversed with. Don’t recite these things. We are admitting we don’t think it’s a conversation.
I wasn’t aware of this as a young christian. There was much feeling. It began to make sense as I grew in Christ. The relationship has only gotten deeper. The past couple of years I have been highly aware of Romans 8, “His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”. It’s daily, all day. We feel Him. Philippians 4:7 says it this way, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As we grow in Christ it seems absurd to repeat lines.
That being said, we can cry out in desperation. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe”. Help me Lord. Not much thoughtfulness, just help me. He hears those.
Jesus tells us to tell Him what we need (John 16:24). Just ask. We don’t need to painfully recite. It doesn’t mean we’ll get everything we ask for. He will provide for our needs in His time. What also happens is that our desires change. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This means two things, He does give us much that we desire. He also gives us new desires. His desires. This is so cool.
We become like Christ. This is amazing. He is the greatest who ever lived and He transforms us to be like Him. Like Father, like son. It’s a lifelong process that will never be complete.
Lord, thank You for prayer and thank You for all those answers. You are so personal. You bless us with Your presence. Thank You.