“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8 KJV)
Solomon said before, “There is a way that seems right to all man but yet in it there is destruction.” (Paraphrase). These words do mean a lot when it comes to prayer. Many today are religiously praying but never touching the heart of God. They use vain repetitions taught by their religion yet these are faraway from the way God would desire us to pray as His children. Jesus cautions, use not vain repetitions! These vain repetitions seem to satisfy the mind but barely touch the heart of God.
Jesus tells us that your Father knows the things you need before you even ask Him. So when you are praying, asking for things that you are lacking and desire should not take the whole prayer time! So if you have told Him about it, should you repeat it everyday? It may come out as a lack of faith. If He knows your needs already, then it is wise to speak His word back to Him and give Him thanks for answering that part of your needs.
In verse 9 Jesus begins to breakdown how we should pray, “Our Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be your name.” He puts the acknowledgement of the sovereignty of God in our lives as the starting point. Acknowledging Him as Father and then the praise and worship of Him. Praise and worship is what is going to open the door into the court room of heaven for you. Others just start off their prayer with their needs, that might not get much attention. Praise and worship is not reserved for Sunday morning when you are in church but must be a daily practice and the starting point of your daily prayer. When you praise Him, your focus moves from you to Him. This is the beauty, it moves His focus to you!
Worship moves His heart. When you worship Him, He clears the lines for you and performs miracles before you even mention your needs. When you worship Him, you are declaring His sovereignty and power above your challenges. You are acknowledging His Lordship over everything that you might be facing. Put yourself in the habit of worshipping him. Those who exercise first do stretches of their muscles to warm them up before intensifying their exercise. If they do not do this they risk muscle tear. Worship is like stretches, it warms your heart and that of God and your prayer will flow nicely thereafter. The Holy Spirit finds delight in helping you pray in the right way (Romans 8:26).
I pray for you that you move from vain repetitions in prayer to Spirit led prayer. May your worship and praise open great doors in the courts of heaven.
Declare this,
Lord I thank you for your leadership. Today I choose to come with praise and worship of you for you already know my needs. Thank you that as I focus on praising you, I will capture your attention.
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