What Jesus Did! 'Few Words Are Needed' — Matthew 6:7-8

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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[Jesus continued:] "When you pray, don't babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!"
— Matthew 6:7-8 NLT

Key Thought

The Stoic philosopher Seneca made fun of the pagans of his day "fatiguing the gods" with their prayers. Jesus warns his followers not to follow the same course. Senseless babbling and the heaping up of repetitious phrases do not win us an audience with God. Prayer is not about magic formulas or fancy speech. Prayer is about our confidence in the Father's knowing us and responding to our needs. With this understanding, our words don't need to be special or effusive, just heartfelt and genuine! And sometimes, words are not even needed (Romans 8:26-27).

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, thank you for hearing my simple words that come from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for blessings. Please forgive me for my sins and guard me from evil. Use me in astounding ways that bring you glory! Empower me to do your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 1:15
  • Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
  • Matthew 7:11

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:7-8 NLT — They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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