The meaning of "Vain Repetitions" when praying
The meaning of "Vain Repetitions" when praying
Longwinded prayers with well-rehearsed snippets gathered over the years are those of the heathens and do not mean God hears you.
Does it matter how long you pray or how fluent you are in your prayer? Does it matter where you pray or whether it is out loud or secret? The underlying question is, does God show favour to your prayers if they are longer and roll off your tongue with practised precision, in the open where many can adore your melodic words, or does he favour the prayer in whatever form of those who genuinely serve him? Avoid falling into the trap of vain repetitions by learning what it is and turning your back on hedonistic practices.
Vain repetitions
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Substance and form are two very different things. While one may pose and have great form, one potentially lacks the substance of good core values. The same happens when many talk with God. Vain Repetitions is merely a presentation for the heathens who gather in the presence of such a person, praying long-winded prayers with well-rehearsed snippets collected over the years without genuine intent.
6. ...Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
To pray insincerely means that you do not have God in your heart; instead, you are praying to impress those around you. It means your value is the world and how it sees you; therefore, you care nothing about how God sees you.
Reverence for God is to put Him above all else; your prayers to him, although they may be in the open, you and him are the only ones at that moment.
Hypocrites
These enjoy the world and seek the things of the world, including the praise of others, which propel them forward in their pretence and delusion of serving God. They extend prefabricated prayers and immerse in formalised rituals, including attending services in buildings, circling a rock, burning incense, or repeatedly bowing in front of a wall. Still, they indulge in the world while skirting obedience to God.
They corral the flock by having the prescribed cookie-cutter meetings, teaching doctrines of lies while exerting vice-like control on the minds of the weak. They offer sensual rewards which are far from worshipping God; instead, they bring many to worship this kingdom on earth—the Beast and Satan.
Final thoughts
Our prayers to God must come from a genuine desire for Him. We must disconnect ourselves from heathens who pretend reverence by extending the length of their prayers. Wear out the welcome mat only of those who worship God in their hearts and actions, the words they speak and the things they do; those who keep his commands.
To worship is to love; love is to follow a doctrine. Those who love God follow his instructions, and those who hate God do not.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.