What does this Scripture mean to you?

Question

Matthew 6:7
“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.

Answer 1

Clearly, Jesus did not approve of memorizing prayers—much less of reading them from some book. His words also rule out the use of the rosary.
Jesus' own prayers were spontaneous, not memorized. For example, read the prayer of Jesus recorded in John chapter 17. It adheres to the model prayer, emphasizing Jesus' desire to see God's name sanctified (See Psalm 83:18). Jesus' prayer was spontaneous and profoundly heartfelt.

All true worshipers of God are urged to "pray incessantly."
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) We must be sure that our prayers are truly in harmony with the Bible, including the instructions of Jesus Christ. In this way you can be certain that our prayers will have God's approval.

Answer 2

Repeating the lords prayer over and over is not acceptable.

The prayer that Jesus gave is only an example of how a Christian should pray. You need to pray what is in your heart along with what Jesus instructed.

Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Answer 3

He was answering questions on how to pray. The previous verses point out to not make a show as some do. This verse is about the practice of written prayers and repeating the same prayer again and again like some children pray today or meal time. The clergy think that by making a show of the same prayers they show how religious they are. How great THEY are.

Jesus next gave them a model prayer. It was never meant to be repeated over and over as anyone's prayer. It was as a concept model is for cars; an example they base real production cars on. It is to be a heartfelt talk with God about your joys and problems. The model shows to place first in our lives and in our prayers for God's holy name to be known. Next his kingdom to be established over the earth to rule as his will is. Then we ask for our needs and personal things as we do his will as we ask for his blessing we bless (or treat) other people. Our prayers must conclude by asking in Jesus' name for the only path between sinfull man and a perfect God is Jesus.

Answer 4

I think it means when you pray don't keep repeating the same thing over and over...he heard it the first time. Also, don't keep praying for the same thing every time you pray. (Example: Lord bless my family, (next prayer) my family needs a blessing right now.) After you pray and believe that God is going to move; its time to sit back and wait on the answer!

Answer 5

Repeating words without heart is meaningless. When we pray we are connecting with God personally, the words we say aren't important. He knows what is in our hearts.
Romans 8:26 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Answer 6

Some people "pray" by repeating the same words or phrases over and over again, or memorizing things and saying them word for word. Or asking God for the same thing over and over again.....

I think it's saying that prayer to God is a petition, and a conversation. Not chanting or saying mantras. ie, God answers your prayers by his decision, not as a reward for now many times you say a chant.

Answer 7

Here is another translation (NASB): "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."

Forgive the seemingly roundabout manner of my reply, but I feel that groundwork needs to be laid before the question can be answered.

The crux of the matter is also how the religion put forth in the Bible differs from other ones. The word "religion" comes from a root meaning "re-joining of ligaments". Basically, religion is the practice of rejoining something that was severed--the relationship between God and man (at this point, the nature of said "God" is immaterial). Now, there are three ways that the connection can be restored:

1.) Totally by man's power,
2.) A meeting in the middle by God and man, or
3.) Totally by God's power.

Now, if the religion subscribes to #1 or #2, it will, by necessity, be selfish. Because there is potential for man to improve his standing with God, it all becomes a matter of, "How many gold stars can I get next to my name?" All that we do, regardless of pretense, is ultimately done for ourselves and getting into higher standing with God.

But if a religion states that man can do nothing, and God has already spanned the distance, bridged the gap, then there is nothing that man can do to better His position with God. We are all equal. Life becomes, then, a pursuit of that relationship with God and determining His plan for our lives.

How does this apply?

In the instance of #1 and #2, actions are necessary to show one's zeal for God. It becomes a necessity to shout to God longer and louder and more consistantly than the next guy, in order to show that you are more holy. Perhaps if we just say his name one more time (or one hundred), if we just pray for the same thing for two whole days, perhaps he will hear.

But in #3, in the religion set forth in the Bible, not only is there nothing that we can do to make our position better, but the God of the Bible is a God who has unlimited resources, intelligence, and love pointed in our direction. He is able to have a one-on-one conversation with all His creations simultaneously. He created us to have a relationship with us, so His attention is always upon us. Therefore, there is no need for us to vie for His attention. We always have His ear.

Answer 8

Prayer is opening your heart to God. Just reciting the words of a prayer without believing what you're saying or without sincerely agreeing with the words is useless.

Answer 9

It means don't get on your knees and beg.. don't ask for the same thing over and over... stop feeling sorry for yourself and don't repeat a prayer mindlessly or without purpose... because then it's not really a prayer...

God wants you to pray your heart matters to him, he wants a relationship with you...

would you want a relationship with someone that followed you areound all the time saying PLease PLease Please and begging?

He wants you to celebrate because if you believe that you will receive then it opens the windows of Heaven for you blessing to pour down.

Answer 10

People praying with their words only we are to pray from our hearts only God sees the true heart and what is in it