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Question about Prayer

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Posted by: medako

I was rereading Matthew and noticed that 6:7-9 say
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
..." (we all know the Lord's prayer)

Now my question is...if Jesus said this is how we are to pray...should we ever be praying in any other way?

Thank you for any insight.


Posted by: Christian Commando

medako-

What Jesus Christ was refering to, was "traditions of men". You see, the religious leaders of that day had prayers that they repeatedly spoke over and over claiming these were to Glorify God.

If you look at Christian religions today, the majority have particular "prayer sessions" I call them, where when look in thier dedicated hymnals, find the title given to certain prayers spoken or sang, along with the order they are done in and which ones, from spoken prayers shared by pastors and congregations to songs or particular Scriptures sung, all supposedly to Glorify God.

What they do is shame Him in being so repetitious, as it is done every Sabbath observed by the religion. This is not of God, but of satan influenced on man and concieved by man. This is why they are called- "traditions of men".

Praying from the heart, as you see the prayers for others to God done here, that is Godly. Jesus did not mean we were to only pray the "Lord's Prayer" Words only in praying for others. Yes, it is a prayer, but the essence of this prayer, leaves only Glorification to God alone, no other, man, beast, material thing, etc.

This is why prayer in "Jesus Name" is so important. For He died for our sins, spenmt 3 days and nites in Hell then was raised from the dead, to conquer death by sin for us.

So, ask yourself this then, would you be doing vain repetitions of prayer, if God declares we are to pray without ceasing, only speaking the "Lord's Prayer", every day, all day long? Yes, we would.

I pray this helps. God Bless!!


Posted by: MarkSentMe

Thanks for picking up on this, Christian Commando. I've been mulling on this one for a few days during my quiet time. I didn't want to bash any particular religion, so I can give this example:

The ABC song (to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). We sing this little song since birth, but how many people actually ever learn their ABCs by singing the song? How many parents are deceived into thinking that their child knows their ABCs just because the child can sing the song?
If I recite the Lord's Prayer over and over, I know I am not really giving the prayer much thought or emotion. If I am asking God for forgiveness or to heal someone, I need to pray what I mean.
The Lord's Prayer has the elements of how we need to pray- like an outline of sorts.

"Pray to your Father whom is in Heaven".
Give Him the respect which is due Him
Ask that His Will, not ours, be done
Give THANKS!
Ask for forgiveness, ask for help in forgiving others
"God will not let you be tempted more than you are able to endure"
Ask for protection from evil.


Posted by: Christian Commando

Yes, very good Marksentme. Several very strong points on repetition, and elements of Glorifying God.

I can't recall the Scriptures word for word now, but there are several where God, thru Apostles tell us to say prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ. If look at thier own prayers, compared to the Lord's Prayer, you'll see the same elements Marksentme refered to as needed in prayer.

God Bless!!