Disciples Connect with God
Through Prayers Not Measured by Wordiness

Matthew 6:7-8

When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ~ Jesus

Last week we looked at being wary of a prayer life that seeks to impress men. This week the idea is to avoid a prayer life trying to impress God using big religious language or length in prayer.

Again, we need to avoid a common misapplication of what Jesus is saying. In calling out wordiness – or babbling – Jesus does not denounce all “wordy” or long-winded prayers. He was known to pray all night occasionally. Don’t mistake short for better, though people prefer this case 😊!

It’s not the length or amount or size of the prayer, but the content and the heart behind it. Empty and vain repetition is to be avoided. In fact, words themselves aren’t even necessary as we will see tomorrow.

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for the reminder that the hearing of my prayer is a matter of a right heart and not a matter of right words. In fact, sometimes I can’t seem to find words. But I know that You understand and for that I am grateful. I pray in Your name. Amen.

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 139:1-6

You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Read the verses of the Psalm.

Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.

Pondering Point