And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do,
For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Matthew 6:7-8
Jesus told his listeners that they should not be like the heathen who are misinformed about prayer. The heathen’s thoughtless use of repetitive prayers are deemed ineffective.
It must be clear that the Lord is not against repeating a matter in prayer; importunity has been the characteristic of many of God’s servants in history. The Lord in this account is warning us against empty repetitions or thoughtless prayers.
Prayer is not a formula to be repeated without heart and passion. God is never impressed with prayer that is religiously repeated without intimacy or sincerity. Prayer is always first of the heart, not words. One may speak to the Father in perfect oration yet if there is no passion, no heart, no love, no sincerity, no truth, then it is meaningless.
Jesus assures us that the Father knows what we need even before we speak. God knows every single detail of our needs. This must give us confidence when we approach Him in prayer. He is not a God who is detached from His people. He is a God who always watches every one of His children.
We must continually remind ourselves that prayer is not about many words. It is about a looking to God with the assurance that God is in control.
Lesson Highlights
1. Do not be like the heathen when they pray
2. Know that the Father knows what you need even before you speak
Study Guide
1. How do the heathen pray?
2. Why should we not pray like them?
By Ed Pilapil Jr. ©
