Meaningless Repetitions and Many Words

Hi all.  When Shelley and I decided to blog on The Lord's Prayer this month we were not prepared for the depth of instruction contained in this well-known simple reflection we repeat weekly, even daily in our religious practices.   Verses 7 and 8 of Matthew 6 give us direction on the content of our prayers.   

                

Matthew 6: 7 - 8
And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 

What was Christ referring to with the term "meaningless repetitions"?  And wouldn't many words in our prayers be a good thing??   And, if our Father knows what we need before we ask Him, why should we ask?  These are high questions we are pondering.  

In reviewing the scripture around the Lord’s Prayer, I concur with Shelley that the Lord is clearly instructing believers on the motives of their hearts and the practice of their righteousness in a community.  It is evident that there is to be a clear distinction between those who are living a life of faith with God and those who are practicing their religion to be seen by men.  Christ very clearly states that when the practice of our religion is to be seen by others then we have our reward in full.  In other words, when our prayers and deeds are for any other reason than to live a relationship of faith with God, then there is no blessing or reward that will come to us other than being seen by others. 

One prayer of Christ that really struck me was the prayer of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.  This was an emotional and trying time for our Lord and he simply prayed the struggle of his heart.  Matthew 26 and Mark 14 record virtually the same words; “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will but as You will.” Christ offered very simple words to convey his longing  to the Father before heading to the cross to die for our sins. 

We do not need many repetitious words before our God to express the longings of our heart.  He knows our needs.  The expression of our needs in prayer acknowledges our reliance upon Him as we walk our life of faith.     “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”   Go to Him and offer the longing of your life, then live in the faith that you have been heard and that God will respond. 

Many blessings on your life,
Carol