CLAIM: Jesus said, “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” (Mt. 6:7).
Persistence and Repetition in Prayer |
|
Luke 11:5 |
Matthew 6:7 |
Persistence |
Repetition |
| Conscious and thoughtful of what you’re asking for |
Unconscious and sub-personal or robotic—repeating the same words over and over and over |
|
Open to listening to God’s response |
Not focusing on God at all |
| Develops in active trust |
Develops an infantile attitude |
|
Puts the power in God’s hands—patient with God’s |
Puts the power in our hands—coerces God |
| Humble |
Arrogant |