"The Reality of Prayer"

We must earnestly seek to avoid "praying just to be praying," as it were.

"Vain repetition," or mouthing empty words for religious purposes means little to God, and little to us (Matthew 6:7). Such prayer can in fact gravely deceive us into believing that mere ritualistic exercise provides spiritual benefit. Even a cursory reading of Scripture reveals the error of such a notion that is carnal at best, and devilish at worst. Indeed, praying without heart, sincerity, thought and deliberation is like bubbles blown by children that may look beautiful as they begin their ascent, but which all too soon burst before reaching the heavens.

Better at the end of our day that we have prayed one brief word of substantive reality than many words of passing winds. Surely a living experience of God will lead us to pray often, but far more it will lead us to pray well. Let us seek such communion with our Heavenly Father, as led by the Holy Spirit, and as made possible by the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, nothing is more real in our lives than the fact of God's presence in believing hearts, and the privileged opportunity of living relationship with Him. May we think, act, and pray accordingly.

"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 6:7)

"I will pray with the understanding."

(I Corinthians 14:15)