Pray, Pray, Pray
And when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:7,8
Never read Jesus’ words superficially.
His statement here can leave us thinking ‘I really don’t need to pray because God already knows my needs.’
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
If this was Jesus intent, why would He then launch into a model prayer (the Lord’s Prayer) that includes a number of requests for God to answer?
So what is Jesus saying?
He’s saying ‘God wants to hear you ask.’ He knows what you need but your asking reflects His ability over against your inability. This makes us dependent on Him, like a child to a father.
It also allows us to exercise and grow in faith, and when God answers, it glorifies Him.
How often have you gone without what you needed simply because you didn’t ask? So don’t just sit there, pray something.
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