Matthew 6:7,8

Matthew 6:7,8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. What is vain repetitions? Vain repetitions means that you are saying the same words over and over again, but not meaning a thing that you are saying. I had a teacher in college years ago who would say, “Let us pray,” and then he would take a paper out of his coat pocket and read his prayer. Let me ask you two questions: first, if he were just reading those words, was he sincere in his prayer? That’s right, he was not. But question number two: If he really meant the words that he was reading, was he sincere in his prayer? That’s right. Yes he was. Just like The Lord’s Prayer in the next few verses, we can just repeat the words, or we can pray “The Lord’s Prayer” that we have memorized and really mean it. Let’s do that right now. Can you quote The Lord’s Prayer? Let’s repeat it, but really mean it in our hearts. Matthew 6:9-13 ...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.