Some people view prayer as a ritual that is to be practiced by sheer determination of will. It's often considered a religious act performed with or without feeling in order to earn cred with God, for people to prove to Him that they really are committed.
But this is not what Jesus taught about prayer.
Before introducing the model prayer (often referred to as "The Lord's Prayer"), Jesus said, "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. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him," (Matthew 6:7-8).
Meaningless repetition has no place in the Christian's prayer life. There are no good luck charm prayers, rote performance prayers, or heartless mechanical prayers that God accepts. Our Lord instructed us to pray meaningfully, sincerely, and uniquely in each situation--all with genuine faith. Many words, flowery words, and brainy words do not impress God; He desires heart-felt, faith-filled words.
There's good news in this. You don't have to get a seminary degree to get through to God. Rather, you just need childlike faith.
Would you go to God that way today?
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