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Evangelical · 06-27-2017, 05:25 PM

Jesus is not against repetition of the same words, but babbling:

Vincent's Word Studies

Use vain repetitions (βατταλογήσητε)
A word formed in imitation of the sound, battalogein: properly, to stammer; then to babble or prate, to repeat the same formula many times, as the worshippers of Baal and of Diana of Ephesus (1 Kings 18:26; Acts 19:34) and the Romanists with their paternosters and aves.

for they think that by their many words they will be heard

The problem is in not believing the power, or the knowledge, or the goodness of God, and resorting to methods such as vain babbling.

(Benson Commentary)
Matthew 26:39-44. For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before you ask him — We do not pray to inform God of our wants. Omniscient as he is, he cannot be informed of any thing which he knew not before: and he is always willing to relieve them. The chief thing wanting is, a fit disposition on our part to receive his grace and blessing.

Benson's commentary (the parts in bold) reminds me of what it is said in the Recovery, that the purpose of prayer is not to have our needs met by asking God for things, but to be filled with God.

06-27-2017, 05:25 PM	#9
Evangelical Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 3,965	Re: Repetition, Ritual, Religion Jesus is not against repetition of the same words, but babbling: Vincent's Word Studies Use vain repetitions (βατταλογήσητε) A word formed in imitation of the sound, battalogein: properly, to stammer; then to babble or prate, to repeat the same formula many times, as the worshippers of Baal and of Diana of Ephesus (1 Kings 18:26; Acts 19:34) and the Romanists with their paternosters and aves. for they think that by their many words they will be heard The problem is in not believing the power, or the knowledge, or the goodness of God, and resorting to methods such as vain babbling. (Benson Commentary) Matthew 26:39-44. For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before you ask him — We do not pray to inform God of our wants. Omniscient as he is, he cannot be informed of any thing which he knew not before: and he is always willing to relieve them. The chief thing wanting is, a fit disposition on our part to receive his grace and blessing. Benson's commentary (the parts in bold) reminds me of what it is said in the Recovery, that the purpose of prayer is not to have our needs met by asking God for things, but to be filled with God.