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Does this passage preclude persistent prayer? (cf. Luke 11:5-10)

Claim:

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

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.