Monday Reading: Matthew 6:5-13
Key Verse: Matthew 6:7
7 But when you pray, do not babble vain words, as the nations. For they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard.
Devotion:
What do you think about when you speak to others? Are you thinking about strange ideas whilst trying to carry on an intelligent conversation with your friends or do you think about what you are talking about? If we are sincere in our conversation with others then we are normally thinking about what we are saying and we say what we mean and don’t rabbit on about other random stuff; there is no point to the rabbiting on!
Why then should we count our conversation with God any different? When we are praying we are conversing with God; He does not want to hear us rabbiting on about all sorts of things but rather praying about the things that matter and the things on our minds. There is nothing wrong with asking God for things as long as you are giving Him the glory; but don’t turn round and ask Him to exclude others so that you may have glory! We would not ask our friends to abandon their friends just so that they can do something for us; why should we think that of God?
Christ’s example prayer that He has given us is simple, to the point and heaped in meaning. So long as we pray earnestly there is no reason why we need to pray for anything longer than this prayer. It is not an abundance of words that will get us any closer to having our prayers answered – when have you ever taken any notice of a huge book of instructions when you need only know how to switch something on? Yes we do need to be mindful of all things, especially other people, but we do not need to try to out-do anyone in the hopes that God will get to us first. He listens to sincerity. He listens to what is on your heart. Speak plainly and receive His blessings openly.
Points to Ponder:
Do you use excessive words in every conversation?
What is your conversation like with God?
