Have you ever felt somewhat lost in your prayer life? Maybe you’ve pondered, “Am I getting this right?” You’re certainly not alone in this. Even the earliest followers of Jesus had their questions about prayer. Fortunately, Jesus offered them—and us—some invaluable guidance. Let’s delve into Matthew 6:7 to discover the essence of meaningful prayer.
The Ancient Approach: Endless Repetition
Firstly, let’s set the context. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus states, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” (NIVUK). What exactly does Jesus mean by “babbling like pagans”?
In the era in which Jesus lived, there were many religious practices that involved reciting long, complex prayers to a multitude of gods. The idea was to say the ‘magic words’, perfectly articulated, to get the gods to do one’s bidding. It’s akin to treating deities like a vending machine: input the correct words, and out pops a blessing.
Why Endless Words Won’t Do
Jesus looked at this practice and said, “That’s not the way.” Why? Because the God of the Bible is not a vending machine waiting for the correct code. He’s more like a parent who knows what you need before you even ask (Matthew 6:8). Unlike the other gods people worshipped, the God of the Bible desires a relationship with you. He wishes for dialogue, not mere repetition of ornate words.
The Heart of the Matter: Connection Over Ritual
So, if repetitive prayers aren’t the answer, what is? The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) shows us the way. It’s a concise prayer that touches on the essentials, like acknowledging God, seeking daily needs, and asking for His help to face the day. The aim is to engage God in a sincere conversation, much like you would with a close friend or family member.
Shifting from Quantity to Quality
The difference between repetitive prayers and praying as Jesus instructed is like the difference between fast food and a home-cooked meal. While fast food might fill you quickly, it’s not nutritious in the long run. On the other hand, a home-cooked meal is prepared with care and is much better for your well-being. Likewise, uttering many words in prayer may give you a short-lived sense of accomplishment, but ultimately, they will not draw you near to God. It is the quality of those words, and the relationship behind them, is what matters the most.
How to Engage in Genuine Prayer
So, how can you engage in meaningful prayer? Here are some quick pointers:
- Be Real: There’s no need for complicated language. Speak to God as you would with a friend.
- Be Open: Share your genuine thoughts and feelings. God already knows them, but he wants to hear them from you.
- Be Brief: The Lord’s Prayer is brief and direct. Your prayers can be as well.
- Be Receptive: Listen for God’s responses, which may come in various forms, like a sudden inspiration, a helpful individual, or a stunning sunset.
Conclusion
In Matthew 6:7, Jesus offers a profound lesson: prayer is not about stringing together the perfect phrases but about developing a genuine relationship with God. The next time you find yourself in prayer, avoid any pointless repetition. Opt for an honest, heartfelt dialogue with God. It’s the most effective way to forge a lasting, meaningful relationship and will yield lasting results.
Now that you’re equipped with insights into meaningful prayer, why not put it into practice? You may find it’s simpler—and more enriching—than you’ve ever thought possible.
Richard Stringer Music 
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