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Answer
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “When you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words” «But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. », (Matthew 6:7, KJV). The term vain means “empty” or “useless”; therefore, Jesus cautions us that repeating meaningless phrases in our prayers will not help them reach God’s ears. Our Heavenly Father is not interested in wordiness, elaborate expressions, or mantras; He seeks “truth in the inner being” «Behold, you desire truth in the inner parts: And in the hidden part you will make me know wisdom. », (Psalm 51:6, ESV).
“Do not use vain repetitions” is the King James version of Matthew 6:7. Other translations state, “Do not use meaningless repetition” (NASB), “Do not heap up empty phrases” (ESV), or “Do not keep on babbling” (NIV). As Jesus highlights, the practice of using repetitive words or formulaic phrases is a “Gentile” or “pagan” custom and should not be part of Christian prayer. Our prayers should resemble more the concise, straightforward prayer of Elijah on Mount Carmel and less the extended, repetitive prayers of the prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18:25-39).
When we pray, we are engaging in a conversation with God and offering Him worship. It is akin to a heartfelt dialogue. Many religions—including certain branches of Christianity—prescribe set prayers that they recommend repeating incessantly. Some churches even mandate their members to recite a particular prayer a set number of times to receive absolution from sin. This practice is reminiscent of past traditions.To paganism and superstition; such formulaic prayers are “vain repetitions” that have no place in the church. Jesus has already atoned for our sins once and for all «By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. », (Hebrews 10:10), and we can approach the throne of grace boldly on the merit of Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 4:15-16), not because of our “many words” «But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. », (Matthew 6:7).
It’s easy to be caught up in vain repetitions, repeating the same words in our prayers instead of thinking about our words or letting them come from the heart. We should be focused on God in prayer and honor Him in our hearts. In Isaiah 29:13, God says, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Jesus’ warning against vain repetitions means we should avoid vain or meaningless words and repetition in our prayers. Repeating things fills up time, but it does not prove our devotion or better our chances of God’s hearing us. We should teach our children at an early age to pray in a natural, conversational manner, with reverence for the One they are addressing.
Being persistent in prayer is not the same as using vain repetitions. There is nothing wrong with praying for the same thing more than once «For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. », (see 2 Corinthians 12:8). After all, Jesus taught us that we should “always pray and not give up” «And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that menWe should always pray and not lose heart; », (Luke 18:1). However, it is important that our prayers come from the heart, are spontaneous, and honor God, rather than simply repeating words written by someone else.
The Bible instructs us to pray in faith «But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. », (James 1:6), addressing God directly «After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. », (Matthew 6:9), and in Jesus’ name «And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. », (John 14:13). We should offer our prayers with reverence and humility «And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. », (Luke 18:13), with perseverance «And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; », (Luke 18:1), and in submission to God’s will «Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. », (Matthew 6:10). The Bible teaches us to avoid prayers that are hypocritical, intended to be heard only by men « And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say untoTo you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5), or rely on vain repetitions “But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:7).
