VAIN PRAYERS
Matthew 6:7-8
" '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.' "
Repetitious prayer is a part of many religious traditions, whether it is the mantra of Yoga, the prayer wheel of the Buddhist, five prayers a day of Islam, saying the rosary, or the liturgical use of the Lord's Prayer. The key word is vain – empty and useless. Any prayer that is not from the heart is vain. This is not to say that we should not pray repeatedly for what is on our hearts. Jesus said that "men ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). And He gave a parable of a man who pestered his neighbor for some bread. The neighbor gave to his friend "because of his persistence," and Jesus explained the parable by saying we should ask – and keep on asking – because the door is opened to those who ask, seek, and knock (Luke 11:5-10). Prayers of faith are from the heart, and I need to keep on praying about things that burden my heart, understanding that God knows before I ask.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Repetitious prayers are vain, but God hears the repeated prayers of the heart that are prayed in faith.
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Have a "persistent prayer" day. Love you
Matthew 6:7-8
" '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.' "
Repetitious prayer is a part of many religious traditions, whether it is the mantra of Yoga, the prayer wheel of the Buddhist, five prayers a day of Islam, saying the rosary, or the liturgical use of the Lord's Prayer. The key word is vain – empty and useless. Any prayer that is not from the heart is vain. This is not to say that we should not pray repeatedly for what is on our hearts. Jesus said that "men ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). And He gave a parable of a man who pestered his neighbor for some bread. The neighbor gave to his friend "because of his persistence," and Jesus explained the parable by saying we should ask – and keep on asking – because the door is opened to those who ask, seek, and knock (Luke 11:5-10). Prayers of faith are from the heart, and I need to keep on praying about things that burden my heart, understanding that God knows before I ask.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Repetitious prayers are vain, but God hears the repeated prayers of the heart that are prayed in faith.
[end]
Have a "persistent prayer" day. Love you
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