Introduction: So many religions repeat phrases over and over in their prayers. They tell their followers there is a benefit in doing this. We are talking about interceding in prayer for someone who prays meaningless prayers that are long and repetitive.

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Matthew 6:7-8 "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. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Don’t use meaningless repetition. Jesus warns not to pray and repeat phrases over and over. There are many examples in the religious world today of this meaningless repetition. The priest says that you should pray 10 of these prayers or 100 of those prayers, and you’ll have your answer. According to Jesus, these are meaningless to God and here is why. First, God the Father already knows what everyone needs. He still wants each person to ask Him. They don’t receive if they don’t ask. When they are inspired to ask, they should ask! Second, can you imagine saying one phrase or prayer over and over to your mother just because she didn’t respond back to you right away. How annoying is that. Just because they don’t get a quick answer doesn’t mean God can’t hear them. He hears them the first time. Third, the effort to repeat a prayer over and over can never force God to be obligated to give them the answer they want. Anyone who promises them this is misleading them.

Don’t craft long prayers with many words. How many times have I heard a beautiful prayer full of eloquent words that eventually went longer than my ability to keep my eyes open. As a kid I thought those people must be close to God. God must hear their prayers because of the way they communicate and put words together. In reality, those long worded prayers were also meaningless to God. They crafted them for the audience to be impressed, but it’s not necessary. God already knows what they need even before they pray. Prayers can be simple and to the point.

Don’t be like those who follow false gods. Don’t repeat prayers like the gentiles. The gentiles were any group of people other than the Jews. They mostly followed false gods. Most of the religions in the world today worship and pray to false gods. Jesus said that you aren’t to be like them. They are really just talking to spirits that follow the devil. They’re also talking with gods they have created in their own minds or with their own hands.

Prayer coaching: “Jesus, help (them) to not use meaningless repetition when (they) talk with You. Remove (their) belief that repetitive or long prayers will be heard by You. May (they) not be like those who follow false gods.”