Posted on 05/13/2025 4:39:54 AM PDT by metmom
“‘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’” (Matthew 6:7).
If we’re honest, all of us have been guilty of repetitive prayers—before meals, at prayer meetings, before bed—with little or no thought to what we are saying or how God feels when He hears us do that. But such prayers are offensive to God and should be to us as well.
We should understand, however, that Jesus here is not forbidding the repetition of genuine requests. In His parable of the midnight visit, Jesus pointed to the persistent man as a model of the believer’s persistent prayer to God. In another parable, the Lord praised the godly widow’s persistence before the ungodly judge: “Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?” (Luke 18:7). Paul asked God three times to remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7–8).
Jesus Himself could be persistent in prayer. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He pleaded, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39). Christ prayed this prayer a second time, and again He “prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more” (v. 44).
Sincere, honest repetition of needs and praises before God is not wrong or ineffective. It is the mindless, indifferent repeating of tired, cliché-filled “prayers” that is not pleasing to Him. God wants our hearts and our minds properly engaged when approaching His throne.
Ask Yourself
What would enliven your set times of prayer, transforming them into fresh, expressive, genuine moments with God? Even if the same words and requests are made, what could you do to make them real and in-the-moment?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
I also think of chanting prayers. A large part of my family is Buddhist and believe chanting will save them. Then there’s the rosary prayers to saints. To me it’s just like chanting under a different brand.
While I was living in Illinois, I attended a small Fundamental Baptist church. One day I asked the Pastor why they didn’t say the Lord’s Prayer in church. He referenced those exact same passages. How many people recite the Lord’s Prayer and they might as well be reciting their shopping list?
I used to do it a lot and it got to the point where I would be saying it, participating in the service, and my mind was a million miles away.
When I interact with my family or friends, I doubt they want me reciting poetry at them while I’m preoccupied with other things.
I’m sure God feels the same way.
Is this a RCC thread - or should I read the article?
The Lord’s Prayer, yes, we have to be careful we pray it in Truth and Spirit so it just becomes a mindless repetition with our minds wandering. Very good point you bring up.
Oops, that didn’t come out right. Correction!!
The Lord’s Prayer, yes, we have to be careful we pray it in Truth and Spirit so it just DOESN’T BECOME a mindless repetition with our minds wandering. Very good point you bring up.
A couple good articles on this topic:
Is there anything wrong with repetitive prayer?
https://www.gotquestions.org/repetitive-prayer.html
What does it mean to use vain repetitions in prayer?
https://www.gotquestions.org/vain-repetitions.html
No, and yes, read the devotional.
No religions or religious practices are mentioned.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.