“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:7-8 (NKJV)

Jesus continues in His instruction on how to pray and says, “And when you pray (from the Greek verb “proseúchomai”) do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do.”

“Vain repetitions” comes from the Greek word “battologéō” and means “to babble, chatter.” This is a word that describes useless speaking. It is empty words that are spoken over and over, yet really mean nothing.

1. What could be some “vain repetitions” we use today?

We do not have to guess as to why they were doing this. Jesus tells us, “For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” “Think” comes from the Greek word “dokéō” and means “to think, imagine.” “Heard” comes from the Greek word “eisakoúō” and means “to give attention to, listen to.”

The warning here is actually against something that was often seen in pagan (“heathen” comes from the Greek word “ethnikós” and means nations) worship practices. Words were chanted over and over ad infinitum to garner the notice of whatever deity was being prayed to. The same practice is still seen today in many Eastern religions. Jesus tells us, as His people, that this is not at all necessary. He hears us when we pray.

2. In its purest form, what is prayer?

“Therefore do not be like them.” Jesus says that we do not need to pray over and over the same words hoping to be heard. He hears us. Some people have the idea that God is busy. They think that He has a lot going on and could not possibly tune into their “little” request. Some even have the idea that they would not bug the “Man upstairs” until it is a big need; then I will put in my request! Many have the idea that to get God’s attention; they have to continually repeat the request. It is the idea that there are millions of people offering requests all at the same time and the only way to get mine “through” is to say it constantly. Hear Jesus’ words today, “Do not be like them” these “repetitions” are not needed to get His attention. He hears your request with full attention and as though you were the only one asking anything of Him. We are His children and He is our Father. Jesus assures us that we have His undivided attention.

3. How is it comforting to know He hears us the first time?

4. Is it good to pray for the same thing more than once? Why or why not?

Jesus drives this point home with the remainder of verse 8 which says, “For” (this is why you do not need to repeat over and over and beg) “your Father knows (from the Greek verb “eídō” and means “to see completely”) the things you have need of before you ask (from the Greek verb “aitéō” and means to “ask, request, seeking by the inferior from the superior”) Him.”

5. If God knows before we ask, why do we need to pray?

Wow! What a promise! Not only do we not have to beg God repetitiously to get Him to notice our need, but here we are told that He knows what we need before we know what we need. So this brings about a question I have been asked many times that goes like this, “If God already knows what we need before we ask, why do we need to ask?” My answer to that question is usually, “First, we do not need to, we get to. Secondly, He wants us to talk to Him.”

An illustration here is helpful. I love my children. I often know what they need before they ask me. However, I want them to ask me because of the connection it creates between my children and me. When they ask, they are admitting their need; they are looking to me, their father, as the one that can supply that need. I, as their father, see their need and engage in love to either correct, counsel, or meet that need. It is the basis of a relationship. Prayer is not about getting, it is about a relationship. As we go to our Father, we necessarily humble ourselves and admit our needs. He, seeing our needs, lovingly engages to speak, correct, counsel, or meet our needs. Amazingly, James 4:2 (NKJV) seems to indicate that our Father limits His action to our asking. It says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” Our Father wisely withholds from us certain things, to teach us, to grow us, and to remove our pride and independence that says, “I can do this without you.” He often restrains what He would want to do for us until we humble ourselves, see our need, and then ask Him. As a dad, I have done the same with my children. I will often give my kids tasks that are just beyond their ability for this reason. “Judah (who is currently 10 years old), drag that large box full of wood scraps to the front for the trash man to take it.” Judah’s eager reply, “Okay!” Now, I know how heavy it is because I packed it. It is well over 100 pounds. Admittedly, there are two things I want to have to happen with a request like this. First, I want Judah to try! I want him to feel how heavy it is and try to do something that is difficult. I want him to pull it, push it, or figure out some way of moving that box. I want him to solve problems. Secondly, if he cannot figure out a way, I want him to call my name. I want him to ask me for help. I want him to say, “Dad, I cannot figure it out. Help me!” When he does that, I will stride over to him, pretend to be the strongest person who has ever lived, and help him drag it. We will drag it together. It is the relationship that I am after. That is the goal. So Jesus tells us, “Just ask because I hear you.”

6. How is this illustration helpful?

7. Have you ever written out your prayers? How could this be helpful?

Jesus says, “You do not have to say it over and over, I hear you. In fact, I know what you need before you do, so just ask.”