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 5:7

When I think about repetitions, I think about a civilian military instructor of mine when in signal school. He would wear the same clothing every day, a brown pair of polyester pants and cream colored shirt from the early 80’s. One of my class mates questioned him on his choice of clothing, his response was, “You guys got it good, you don’t have to think about what your going to wear, but as a civilian, I’ve got to think about my wardrobe. So 15 years ago, I bought 20 pairs of slacks, and 20 shirts, and I haven’t thought of it since.”

There are benefits to repetitions in our lives, it’s just one less thing to think about. But not when it comes to speaking to our heavenly father, repeating a word over and over again has no purpose, it’s simply vain. When the heathen spoke to a deity, that deity was impersonal. They would have to do things to get his attention, like talking loud or using a lot of words. This is vanity, or bringing attention to one’s self.

Jesus is telling us not to use vain repetitions, don’t use crafty words, don’t speak incantations, there is no need. Our God knows all, and he knows us! We need only to speak what is on our heart. We don’t need to repeat a phrase over and over. This should be a comfort to people who don’t like to say much, because our Father in Heaven listens to each meek and tender word we pray.

1st King 18 records the story of Elijah and the priests of Baal, and offered a contest to show the true God. The contest was that the first of two alters were to be lit by the true deity. The priests of Baal, repeated, and plead over and over again, to a point that even Elijah made fun of them and the babbling they were making. When Elijah’s turn came, he doused his alter with water, and prayed once and God answered his prayer.

Another thing we need to know about God, we don’t have to compete for attention as young siblings often do for parents attention. God hears every word spoken by all His children. Repeating vainly isn’t needed by God’s Children.

Lord, help me to focus on continual pray, that I might speak to you always with truth and dignity, for you are the Creator of all things.