Prayer

Matthew 6:7-8 Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Prayer is a very personal thing. For some, it comes easy, like talking to a good friend. For others, it’s awkward and feels forced. And still for others, there needs to be a formula to follow. No matter where you are at with your prayers, it is still a vital part of the life of a Christian. We need to pray.

Jesus is talking with his disciples and helping them develop good communication skills with the Father. Apparently there were many examples of prayers even then. Jesus says that the Gentiles heap up empty phrases. Perhaps he was referring to some type of incantation, repetitious but void of any meaning. Maybe it was more like a “ohm” phrase, a mantra if you will. Again, this is something that for Jesus was considered void of meaning.

Each Christian prays differently. Some like to repeat God’s name. Some like to “just” pray. Some only follow the liturgical form. The question that rises is why do you pray like you do? What do you hope will happen from your prayer?

Jesus says that your heavenly Father knows what you need even before you ask him. Just as parents know what their children need, God knows what you need. So then Jesus introduces the disciples to what we call today The Lord’s Prayer. In verses 9-13, Jesus teaches his disciples how they should pray.

Sometimes we’re able to pray without ceasing… 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Sometimes we don’t have the words…Romans 8:26

Sometimes we pray out of darkness… Jonah 2:1

Where ever you are with your prayers, just pray. And when nothing comes to mind or there’s too much on your mind, pray as our Lord Jesus taught us to pray:

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom

And the power and the glory

Forever and ever. Amen.