05/09/2023
Matthew 6:7 - 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. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 9 “Pray, then, in this way:
This is probably one of the Lord’s most recognizable teachings in scripture. One of the disciples had asked for a lesson on how to pray. Jesus then gave His followers, that includes us, an example how we should pray. He gave a few general instructions to them such as to pray in private and not to repeat the same words over and over again. The second one is to believed to be in contrast to prayer used in pagan and idol worship. He was also contrasting practices utilized by religious people that were making themselves out to be, well, religious. God hates religion, or anything else that comes between a person and Himself. No church institution, person or or object should be between us.
A word on praying in private. We should and must pray alone. But, there is a place for corporate prayer. Throughout the scripture the Tabernacle and Temple were places that Jewish people met for praying together. Jesus called the Temple “a house of prayer,” as he threw the money-changers out of it. Throughout the New Testament we see that the disciples of Christ were meeting to pray with one another. A couple of examples are: the 120 in the upper room; the house where the fellow believers of Peter were praying for his release.
As far as not making repeated incantations, the concept is that we must involve our intellect when we pray and be thinking about what we are speaking. This is after all a time to be in communion with our Heavenly Father. We are not there to babble. Further this is between us and Him. I remember years ago that someone got the idea to write a book called, The Prayer of Jabez. It was just the latest church craze of the time. It soon fizzled out. People realized the only person that could say the prayer of Jabez, was Jabez. It came from his mind and heart. Our prayer must be our own.
The verses following these two admonitions are an example of how we should conduct our conversation with the Father. He said pray like this, not pray this. I grew up in a family that was a part of the Methodist denomination. I don’t recall we went often, even when we lived just across the street from the church building. But I remember when I was there we always closed by reciting the, “Lord’s Prayer.” That might not be a problem if we did it with our minds and hearts engaged. But it becomes rote and mindless. That does not impress our Father at all.
The terms that Jesus used as example in how to pray can be set into points of petition from us to our Father. Worship, true worship, and there are many ways we can do that, not just music and singing. Acknowledging He has a will for us and the world, that is already in place in the heavenly realm, and placing ourselves under that will. Asking for material provision, food, clothing and housing. Forgiveness of those who have done us wrong and ourselves for what we have done wrong. Keeping us holy and not to fall to temptations. Acknowledge that He is the one who dwells on high, has the power to do His will, and this is His kingdom.
Rev Sid
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