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NASB | Matthew 6:7 ¶ "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 6:7 ¶ "And when you pray, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. [1 Kin 18:25-29] |
Bible Question: What does 'meaningless repetition' refer to? Does this mean not to pray for the same thing over and over again? |
Bible Answer: Prayer is central to a believer's life. But Jesus said we should avoid meaningless, repetitive prayers offered under the misconception that mere length will make prayers efficacious. Jesus labels all those who pray repetitiously like this as pagan! Jesus is not forbidding all long prayers or all repetition, only meaningless prayer. Jesus himself prayed at length (Lk 6:12), and also repeated himself in prayer (Mt 26:44), but it was not meaningless prayer. |