“When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words . . . (People who do) think that by saying many words they’ll be heard.” Matthew 6:7 (CEB)
The last of the plates reached their destinations at the restaurant table that seated ten friends. As each order was placed, the tableful of people expressed their appreciation for how delicious the food looked and smelled, for the tasteful plating, and generous portions.
“Who would like to pray over the meal?” The ten of us gazed around the circle to see if anyone else volunteered. Jokingly, our leader pointed to one individual and said, “Not Charlie. Our meals will be cold before he finally says amen.” An undercurrent of light laughter soon settled, and a not-longwinded person asked the blessing over the meal. We’d laughed, but my thoughts turned to how easily we slip into thinking that the value of prayer is in its length (or brevity) rather than its depth.
Jesus told us not to pour out a flood of empty words when we pray. Immediately after that, He gave us instructions on how to pray. We know that passage as the Lord’s Prayer. It takes up half a column in my Bible. Plenty of words. So what was Jesus saying?
His point may have been, “Make it mean something,” whether short or long. Make it come from the heart, and express the Father’s will.
What gives prayer its meat and meaning? Through the verses that follow, Jesus tells us it lies in acknowledging Who God is, expressing our longing for His kingdom, lobbying for His will both on earth and in heaven, thanking Him for providing, asking His forgiveness, and seeking spiritual protection so we can live in a way that pleases Him.
Faith Step: What’s one prayer concern you often bring before Jesus? Rather than begging Him to provide a larger home or reconnect your wayward son with faith or help you land a better job, thank Him for how He’s already at work behind the scenes.
