A serious enemy to consistent, systematic praying is the widespread misunderstanding of Christ's teaching on “vain repetition.”
The passage in question reads, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7 KJV).
The context for this important teaching is found in those chapters of Scripture we refer to as “The Sermon on the Mount.” Here Jesus is giving basic, foundational teaching to His followers concerning various aspects of discipleship. When He approaches the subject of prayer, Christ warns His followers not to develop meaningless prayer habits in which they offer empty prayers, as do the heathen.
Key words in the passage include vain and heathen. Jesus does not say it is wrong to repeat all prayers. To repeat a prayer more than once—even using the exact words—is not without Scriptural precedence. In Matthew 26:44 we read that Jesus, “went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more” (NASB). The Psalmist repeats a prayer of praise twenty-six times, using the same expression: “For His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psalms 136).
Repetition becomes wrong when it is prayed in a vain(empty) manner such as the heathen use. Indeed, any prayer apart from “Jesus’ name” is empty prayer. But for a Christian to repeat a prayer—such as praying for the nations daily—and to do so in Jesus’ name can hardly qualify as “vain repetition.” Such ideas surely come from the enemy who desires to stop our praying altogether.
To ask is God's plan for man. Let us not hesitate to ask daily.
From Dick Eastman
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