Christian Bible - Matthew 7:7-8, I have a specific question?

Question

2 part question, first off, (I'm not 100% sure how to reference the bible) Matthew 6:9-13 states that god says there is a specific way, word for word, we are supposed to pray as Christians right? Is that not literal? I know catholics say the same prayer, every single person, the whole "die before I wake thing". Or does that section refer metaphorically as an example of the things we should be praying for?

Second, assuming it is an example, not literal directions word for word, then does Matthew 7:7-8 mean that we can each individualize our prayers to ask for what we need based on the criteria of Matthew 6:9-13? If so, where are we supposed to draw the line? For instance, if every single night, in addition to praying for the continued health of my friends and family, I also pray that I may be able to have a family myself one day, is that sacrilegious?

The reason I ask is, there is nothing more I want in this world than to have kids, but I'm not sure if that is something that is appropriate to include in my prayers. For that matter, I'm not even sure if I am prayer "correctly".

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance :)

Thank you everyone, that really cleared up some of my questions. I still have a hard time understanding the bible and it makes me feel guilty that I might be reading something in the wrong context.

I appreciate you all taking the time to answer my question :)

Answer 1

You do realize the bible was not originally written in English, right? It's a translated document that was translated from Latin documents that themselves were translated from Greek and Hebrew documents. Makes it a little hard to interpret anything in the English version so literally.

Answer 2

Matthew 6:7 states:

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

This is instructing us NOT to repeat the same prayer over and over again. This verse speaks against the "rosary" prayer, the "hail Mary" and many others that are memorized and repeated. Our prayers should be personal, not memorized.

The same would go for the "Lord's prayer" which is found in verse 9-16. Many people have memorized this prayer and use it pretty much exclusively as their prayer. However, there are a few things to consider. First off, the warning about repetition. Memorizing the Lord's prayer would fall into that category. Second, the very start of verse 9 states: "After this manner therefore pray ye:" This does not mean to repeat this exact prayer. This prayer was an example and not meant to be repeated word for word. "after this manner" signifies that our prayers are to be "like" this prayer but not a memorized version. One reason we know that it is an example is the first part of verse 10 "Thy kingdom come,". The kingdom that was referred to here by Jesus was the church, which at that time had not been established. However, the kingdom (church) has come, so repeating that line makes no sense because we are praying for something to arrive that has been in existance for over 2000 years.

That considered, looking at Matthew 7 indicates that our prayers should be personal and not just a memorized version of the Lord's prayer. We do not have to pray for the kingdom to come, it is already there. So Matthew 7 is not based on the criteria of Matthew 6. Praying for the same things each night would not be repetitious. We pray daily for good health, and guidance but we also, at times, pray for other things as well that may or may not apply for each prayer. If a friend is in the hospital, we can pray for a speedy recovery. Once that person has recovered, we don't continue to pray for recovery because it has already come. Therefore, our prayers are changed and become more personal.

See source for more information on prayer.

Answer 3

Matthew 6:9--this prayer serves as a model prayer for His followers. It was not intended as a ritualistic prayer for regular recital, but rather a guide for praying “after this manner.” The Lord Jesus gave many other commands to pray (e.g., Matthew 7:7-11; 9:38; 17:20-21; 18:19-20; 21:21-22; 26:41; Luke 18:1,7; John 14:13-14; 15:7,16; 16:23-24)—all of which give further instruction on the vital subject of how believers should pray.

God Bless.

Answer 4

matthew 6:9-13 shows the manner of which prayer is to be. there are a lot of people out there confused about how to pray. God was loving enough to direct us in prayer the right way in his eyes. this prayer is a very strong prayer in it's self.
7:7-8 is mainly speaking of knowledge and the holy spirit. Luke 11:13 God sends the Holy Spirit to them who ask.
James 1:5 if any of you lack knowledge, let him ask God.... and it shall be given him. matthew 7 is dealing with the Judging of others. Matthew 6 deals with; giving to the needy6:1-4 and prayer6:5-15 fasting 6:16-18; treasures in heaven 6:19-24; and do not worry 6:25-34.we need to be careful when comparing scripture with other scripture. When we do not study Gods word daily through prayer asking for the guidence of the Holy Spirit, we take things out of context and come up with mans interpretation of the Bible. which today is what 90%of the world is living By. mans interpretation has lead many good meaning people right down the wrong road.Mathew 7:13,14 enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destrution. (this is speaking of the road people daily take when they listen to the man/woman in the pullpit and never open their Bibles)and many (90% of the world) there be which go in there at; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it. notice it say few will find it. these are the people that are in the word daily through prayer asking for the guidence of the Holy Spirit. the ones that keep God's ten commandments all ten including no.4 and have the faith in Jesus. what method of study do the scriptures recomend Isaiah 28:10. the 90% say they keep sunday (those who believe in God that is) in honor of the ressurection, But this practice is never mentioned in the Bible. 1Peter 2:21- we must follow Jesus example. Jesus kept the ten commandments John 15:10 he never changed nor done away with none of them remember he said I come to fullfill the law (fill it full) not to destroy it.
www.amazingfacts.org

Answer 5

Matthew 6:9-13 is an outline for prayer, not something to pray word for word. First we praise him. Next we pray for what he wants. After that we pray for what we want. We also need to forgive anyone who we have ought against. We then end our prayers in praise and worship.

Matthew 7:7-8 looses a bit in translation. The Greek reads that we are to continuously ask, seek and knock until we get our answer. Luke 18:1-8 equates this with faith.

Answer 6

The our Father is a model to go by and covers a lot of territory. First God is acknowledged as holy and that His will be , not ours. Our daily bread is asking for God to provide what we need for one day (not our wants, but the basic life sustaining stuff and spiritual stuff.) Then their is confession. I believe in the Hebrew Complete Bible, debt is actually the word sin. We can't pray if we are not willing to confess and name our sins. Nor can we pray for forgiveness when we harbor hatred for a brother or sister in Christ. We also pray for strength and protection. The other in Matthew 7 could be talking about salvation. Asking Jesus to come into your heart. He will and will not refuse an honest plea. If we ask for things that are within reason and in God's will, it will be given. But, if we want this and that and pray in a selfish manner, we are sinning. too many people pray the Lord's prayer and cannot do it honestly and just go thru the motions. Pray to God in honest truth. Search the Psalms and see the wealth of prayers in them.

Answer 7

Wonderful question.

You need to look at the big picture. The prayer at Matthew 6:9-13 is known as "the MODEL prayer". It was never meant to be repeated word for word repeatedly. In fact if you read the verses before that he said not to be repeating the same words over and over again. It was just designed to show the order of priorities you should have when praying. Praying for children is entirely appropriate. There are a number of examples of women who did just that in the scriptures. Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, and John the Baptizer's mother (who's name escapes me right now) are a couple of examples.

Answer 8

Everyone wants to have kids almost, and many people pray for something that they'd like to have. When I was little, I used to pray every night for long hair, and when I grew older I'd pray to start my period on time or for the first time. Now I pray for some of the same stuff and stuff like that too, like to help me find the right guy one day and that my whole family and I will be safe, happy and protected always. God also said that if we asked he'd give us the desire of our hearts. So no, I don't think it's sacrilegious

Answer 9

No, it does not say that one should pray - word for word - in a particular way. In fact, Jesus says that the one's who repeat the words, don't get it. He only recommends that one says the lord's prayer, and I think that is a good one, but not just to repeat it, but rather to feel it in one's heart, for it to have meaning for you.

I think the first intention of your prayer would be for 'light', or for yourself. To have your own eyes opened. To be able to do this, then you must realize that as you are you are 'blind'. This is a step in humility, recognizing that one doesn't have the answers.

I think it's good that you care for other people and want the best for them, and also for yourself. there is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing sacrilegious in what you are requesting nor doing with your prayer. But it seems you don't understand the basics of prayer, that it's not about 'getting what you want', but rather about learning to do the will of God or about learning to accept what is, as it is, without wanting it to be different.

So your are praying for children, but what if that nevers happens in your whole life time? Are you prepared for the possibility that you might spend your whole life praying for that, and then feeling unhappy and disappointed when it doesn't happen?

Practical advise is work harder to accept what there is right now and learn to be happy without needing things to go the way you expect them to. Also to work on looking within, to develope a deeper relationship with god and yourself. the more quiet you become the more you can listen. I don't know what is your future, and you don't either. That's the hard part, we simply don't know what will come, we only have the present.

Developing the art of listening is what I think would benefit you the most right now.

Answer 10

In Matthew 6:7-8 (yes, you're referencing the BIble correctly), Jesus tells His disciples not to "babble", not to say a lot of words, thinking that quantity is what makes a good prayer. He emphasizes, then, quality of prayer - doing it for the right reasons. In the "Our Father" or "Lord's Prayer" that He suggests, we see a few elements:

1) Praising God
2) Wanting God's will to be done, not your own
3) Asking for - and trusting God to give - what you need (not necessarily what you *want* - daily bread, not the daily feast)
4) Recognizing that you need God's forgiveness and going to your Father for it

Wanting to pray well and to not offend God, you are already on the right track. Trust in God to give you what is best for Him and best for you in His eyes.

To that end, I think you can pray to have a family of your own, but pray, too, for those reasons that Jesus tells us to pray. Pray to praise God, to do His will, and to seek His forgiveness for our mistakes. God is a loving Father, and I can't imagine Him looking badly on a sincere request. He may or may not grant it, but I don't think it will offend Him to ask.

Answer 11

1)
You are beginning with a false assumption. Matthew 6:9-13 does not give a word for word prayer to pray. Jesus said, "in this manner" (houto in the Greek) not "pray this". This is another error in the Catholic church. It is a model, not a magic formula. In fact, Jesus was very specific in saying that we were NOT to be repetitive in our prayers, but rather talk to God as if He were our earthly father.

2)
There is no problem with coming to God with the same issue over and over again. Jesus told a parable of a man who needed bread for unexpected guests. He asked over and over again. The problem comes in to play when you make your prayers a rosary kind of prayer where the words become more of a chant rather than a person-to-person conversation.

3)
God wants to hear from you. If the issue is about kids, then you have God's complete attention. Tell Him your heart. Bring all your anxiety and stress issues and drop it at His feet. Pour your heart out to Him in words that speak your heart. He will answer through His Word or some other means. Do not feel hindered that you are being redundant, that is not an issue with Him. Just bring it all before the throne.

4)
"I still have a hard time understanding the bible and it makes me feel guilty that I might be reading something in the wrong context."
Put guilt out on its ear. We are not saved by works or knowledge, we are saved by grace. God is not concerned with how much of the Bible you know, but rather how you apply what you DO know. This question is a good example. God loves you as the adopted child that you are. He is ready and eager to express His love to you, not beat you with any infraction. So rest in His love and just enjoy your new personal relationship.

Ephesians 3:17-19
...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.