Vain Repetiton

I think that one of the reasons why we don’t often recite or pray things together as a congregation is because we are afraid of using “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7-15). Ironically, the “Lord’s Prayer” is found in the same passage of Scripture and I think that this is a major reason why we are somewhat reluctant to pray it together as a congregation.

Jesus doesn’t say not to repeat things, or in this case our prayers. In Scripture, God Himself repeatedly repeats Himself. Jesus is saying don’t be meaningless, mechanical, or mindless in your frequency. If Jesus meant don’t say the same thing over and over again, I’m in big trouble.

Throughout the day I hear myself praying the same prayer—“Lord have mercy on me!” It is far from empty, I mean it every time, and I think I hear, “I do—more than you know” every time.