Praying in Your Own Words
My dear son,
You do not need to fill the air with words to make me listen. You need no lengthy explanation to gain my attention. Come near in the confidence that I already know what you need before you begin to ask.
Prayer is not a struggle to persuade me to turn toward you at last. It is time to share your heart with a loving Father. You may offer a brief thank-you, or stay and tell me a longer story.
This evening, I want to hear your own words more than someone else's polished sentences. You may say you do not understand, or simply that you want to be together. Be at ease in the place you have here, where you can speak to me.
With all my love,
Your Father
Matthew 6:7–8
WEB7In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
8Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
A short reflection
Jesus warns against empty repetition and trying to gain a hearing through many words, teaching that the Father knows what people need before they ask.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter