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 what Jesus says is the prayer you should avoid, and what types of prayers are meaningless to God.

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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 you to not 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 you need. He still wants you to ask Him. You don’t receive if you don’t ask. When you are inspired to ask, ask! Second, would you talk with your mother that way? 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 you don’t get a quick answer doesn’t mean God can’t hear you. He hears you the first time. Third, the effort to repeat a prayer over and over can never force God to be obligated to give you the answer you want. Anyone who promises you this is misleading you.

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 you need even before you 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 me to not use meaningless repetition when I talk with You. May I not be like those who follow false gods.”