I wonder why so many sincere believers repeat over and over again prayers that have been prepared for them to recite? Undoubtedly the greatest number of all make it a practice to recite The Lord’s Prayer. I think they must have overlooked that He said, "Pray, then, in this way:" (Matt 6:9). But not only that, the verses right before this prayer specifically say: 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. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him (Matt 6:7-8).
The reason for this seems obvious; there is no one prayer that fits every occasion.
Moreover, The Lord’s Prayer did fit perfectly into the circumstances then, but imperfectly fits ours today. One of the reasons is, at the close of His earthly ministry our Lord gave His disciples further instruction about prayer.
Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf (Jn 16:24-26).
After the Lord’s ascension into heaven the disciples were to make their requests to the Father in Christ's name. This in itself would have excluded their (and our) reciting The Lord's Prayer. Yet both Protestants and Catholics still make much of repeating it, saying it in unison in sickness and death, in drought and storm, in peace and war, etc... with almost no regard to its contents.
What a difference there is between praying and "saying prayers."
The reason for this seems obvious; there is no one prayer that fits every occasion.
Moreover, The Lord’s Prayer did fit perfectly into the circumstances then, but imperfectly fits ours today. One of the reasons is, at the close of His earthly ministry our Lord gave His disciples further instruction about prayer.
Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf (Jn 16:24-26).
After the Lord’s ascension into heaven the disciples were to make their requests to the Father in Christ's name. This in itself would have excluded their (and our) reciting The Lord's Prayer. Yet both Protestants and Catholics still make much of repeating it, saying it in unison in sickness and death, in drought and storm, in peace and war, etc... with almost no regard to its contents.
What a difference there is between praying and "saying prayers."
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