"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

Imagine prayer was like leaving God a note on the refrigerator...

"Father, thank you for this meal.  I pray that you would bless it and use it to nourish my body.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen."

So, you tack this note to the door of the refrigerator and everytime you prepare a meal, you point to it and say to God...

"Father, read this note.  I'm going to eat."

Sounds absurd, doesn't it? 

You know, it IS absurd, but it is also something that happens all too often.  Anytime we simply recite a prayer without giving any though to what we are saying, it is like tacking a note to the refrigerator and saying, "God read it again."

Jesus encourages us to be PERSISTENT in prayer, but He warns against "vain repetition."  Vain repetition is when we say the words with our mouths, but either don't mean them in our hearts or don't focus in on what it is we are saying.

Is there anything wrong with reciting, say the "Lord's Prayer?"  Of course not...as long as it doesn't become a stiff, rehearsed recital that doesn't mean anything. 

Prayer is TALKING with God, not reading Him a list of demands or some pre-recorded message.  Prayer is supposed to be felt in our hearts, not merely on our lips.  If we're not careful, it can become a rut that is done more out of duty than out of love for our Father.

So, this morning, ask yourself a very simple question:  Are my prayers heart-felt and sincere, focused on what I am saying and who I am talking with?  Or, are they cold and routine, with very little meaning and passion?

Do you pray each day with a desire to fellowship with the Father...

...or is there a note tacked to your refrigerator just waiting for Him to read?

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!