When You Pray

"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathens do.  For they think that they will be heard for their many words."

--Matthew 6:7  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 7, 2013 of Psalm 7; Matthew 6:1-18; Genesis 13-15.

Too often we just go through the motions, reciting words we learned long ago, not thinking about what we say, not even listening.  (Please reference my discussion of the Apostles Creed at http://tpohw.blogspot.com/2007/09/i-believe.html.)  And not just words, prayers, songs, and liturgy, but even our very actions become so familiar we do them by rote, by habit, giving no thought to what, why, or how.

I wonder how praised God feels when we simply mindlessly spout memorized words or go through learned motions when we should be paying true, heartfelt homage to Him for His eternal love, mercy, and faithfulness!  Jesus cautioned us not to be like the hypocrites, just going through the motions for the glory of man.  We need to seek the glory of God!

Ever faithful Father, please forgive us when we just go through the motions, doing what we've learned to do without giving a thought about Who we should be doing it for.  Forgive us if we think our many words might be considered true worship, when they are really hollow for lack of true feeling. In the name of Jesus we seek Your forgiveness.  Amen.