Thoughtless Repetition

[Deacon]

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7

Simple things often bug me to no end…
…like the way some people pray.

I often hear prayers like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Father, your kingdom come,
your will be done, Father,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Just give us this day our daily bread, Father
and Father, just forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors, Father.
And just lead us not into temptation, Father
but deliver us from evil, Father.

Why do we “just” pray for God “just” to do what we ask?
Why do we constantly “just” evoke the FATHER’s name?

Rob

 

[JonC]

Why do we “just” pray for God “just” to do what we ask?

Probably because we're afraid of what God wants in our life.

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

This applies to modern Christian music too. I also have the same problem with constant repetition, in prayer or in songs.

 

[Deacon]

I hear the “just” word with many people that I pray with. “Lord, just open” “just save” “just grant…”
They offer good prayers with meaning, but I JUST wonder why the “just”.
Simple ingrained prayer habits I guess.

Probably because we're afraid of what God wants in our life.

Now that’s deep! I like that idea.

This is what I’ve thought:
They think that telling God that their request is a small thing will influence God; since our God is so big it should be easy for him to grant such a simple request. It puts the pressure on God to work things out according to their own will.

************
Okay time to confess one of my many weaknesses.

The repetition of “Father” is another prayer habit that bothers me enough that sometimes I stop paying attention to the prayer and begin to count the “Father’s”.
A long prayer might have 30 or more!

Rob

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

Pet peeve list way short. The real danger in a full list is that it would step on everyone’s toes, or more likely take everyone out at the knees. Far better not to go there, and instead focus on real problems.

By the way, Jesus commended openly stating one believed his power was far greater than what they were requesting.

 

[canadyjd]

First, concerning Matthew 6:7, Jesus is most likely referring to the pagan practice of repeated chants to evoke a diety to action. Basically, the pagans believed they could force the “god” to specific action by repeating certain words over and over. (Spells?) The modern charismatic movement, in some instances, comes close to this. I heard one of the TV preachers say that if you say certain words God is obligated to give you what you ask

Second, I suppose most folks haven’t been taught how to pray. If you consider prayer to be communicating with God, why do we say “I pray….” If I were to talk to my wife, I wouldn’t start by sayings, “I speak to you…” Be respectful and talk like you believe God really exists and is listening.

In the OT, those praying to God would often point to God’s actions in the past to praise and for a basis for requesting God’s favor. For example, “Father, as you dealt with Paul by showing mercy when he sinned please show mercy to me and enable me for your service.

Lastly, when Jesus said that anything you ask in His name would be granted by the Father, He wasn’t saying to add “in Jesus name we pray” at the end. He is saying anything you ask of the Father for the cause of Christ in the world, He will give.

Good thread

peace to yiu

 

[Salty]

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7 ... Why do we “just” pray for God “just” to do what we ask?
Why do we constantly “just” evoke the FATHER’s name? Rob

The answer is simple - we grew up hearing that - whether in our church - on Radio or TV....

and not just "Father" but as well as "Dear Father" Lord, Heavenly Father and dozen other addresses. Drives me nuts.

Imanage if someone spoke to you that way -
Lets say the individual had six sentences to say and used your name 15 times!~!!

 

[Marooncat79]

It’s just a little talk w Jesus

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

I like it when the pastor switches to third person during prayer, essentially preaching again, talking about God rather than to God.

 

[Deacon]

I like it when the pastor switches to third person during prayer, essentially preaching again, talking about God rather than to God.

LOL, those are the times when you are not sure if you should close your eyes or keep them open.

Rob

 

[kyredneck]

Simple things often bug me to no end…
…like the way some people pray.

Eh, maybe they're doing the best they know how, the Lord knows, it's what in their hearts that counts.

 

[Salty]

LOL, those are the times when you are not sure if you should close your eyes or keep them open.

Rob

How about leaving one eye open!

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

Eh, maybe they're doing the best they know how, the Lord knows, it's what in their hearts that counts.

Jesus says the tax collector would not even look up to heaven when he prayed. But I have to wonder just how “up to heaven” the Pharisee was looking when he noticed the tax collector in the distance.

I just thank God I’m not just like that…or am I?

Luke 18:9-14

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

[Alan Gross]

God is Immutable we know, but "the fervent prayer of a righteous man", still avails much ( not "a little bit"), right?

Dr. Stanley calls this one, "Prayer that Moves God", and from our perspective, I guess it could or does 'Look Like' God Moves...we have just gotten in on seeing Him Working, when we draw nigh to Him in our prayer life, etc.

This, is a nice one on prayer;

 

[MrW]

First, concerning Matthew 6:7, Jesus is most likely referring to the pagan practice of repeated chants to evoke a diety to action. Basically, the pagans believed they could force the “god” to specific action by repeating certain words over and over. (Spells?) The modern charismatic movement, in some instances, comes close to this. I heard one of the TV preachers say that if you say certain words God is obligated to give you what you ask

Second, I suppose most folks haven’t been taught how to pray. If you consider prayer to be communicating with God, why do we say “I pray….” If I were to talk to my wife, I wouldn’t start by sayings, “I speak to you…” Be respectful and talk like you believe God really exists and is listening.

In the OT, those praying to God would often point to God’s actions in the past to praise and for a basis for requesting God’s favor. For example, “Father, as you dealt with Paul by showing mercy when he sinned please show mercy to me and enable me for your service.

Lastly, when Jesus said that anything you ask in His name would be granted by the Father, He wasn’t saying to add “in Jesus name we pray” at the end. He is saying anything you ask of the Father for the cause of Christ in the world, He will give.

Good thread

peace to yiu

To “pray” to a DEITY is to beseech, earnestly entreat. Modern English might be, “Listen to me, please”. I like “pray”.

 

[Alan Gross]

First, concerning Matthew 6:7, Jesus is most likely referring to the pagan practice of repeated chants to evoke a diety to action. Basically, the pagans believed they could force the “god” to specific action by repeating certain words over and over. (Spells?)

To “pray” to a DEITY is to beseech, earnestly entreat. Modern English might be, “Listen to me, please”. I like “pray”.

Right.

"...when ye pray, use not vain repetitions..."