Scripture

“And when you pray, do not keep babbling like the pagans do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Observation

Good deeds and gifts to the poor should not be advertised with trumpets or announcements. When we give to the needy, it should be done quietly without fuss that draws attention to us.

Likewise, prayer is not about impressing men. When we pray we should go to our quiet place by ourselves and pray to the Father. He is not impressed by fancy words, but He knows what we need even before we do.

Application

God is not impressed by the number of our words or the length of words we use. He in not moved by the “quality” of our prayer but by the strength of our faith.

When we turn to God and say, “Lord I need you,” we are making a declaration of faith. This is about relationship more than it about winning God’s favour.

Therefore we pray regularly because we love God and want to develop our relationship with Him. Prayer is not about getting stuff, but about sharing our heart with Him and listening to what is on His heart.

When we “babble like a pagan” or recite prayers without thought, we are engaging in an empty religious ritual. When we talk to God like a friend, then we find spiritual power birthed in surrender to our Lord.

Prayer

Come and fill me Holy Spirit. Please teach me how to pray and how to bare my soul before you. Amen.