Matthew 6:7 — But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

 It happened again today. Myra and I have been more and more distressed recently at the way some people pray in public. Or, to be more specific, about the way they start and finish their prayers. The prayers tend to go like this — “opening formula”, “stuff I really want to talk about”, “closing formula”. It’s as though they see their prayers as tasty sandwiches — good stuff in the middle and two pieces of dull bread wrapped around it.

Look! A prayer is not a sandwich! It’s a humble petition to a high authority. The matter might be at the start, but on top is the address, and at the bottom is the authority. If you don’t handle them with due respect I fear that part of your prayer, at least, my be vain repetition.

Let us take, first, the address. I have seen it suggested that there is only one way to begin a prayer. Jesus introduced and began the model prayer by saying “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9). With that in mind these purists say “Our Father” is the only way to begin. I don’t think that’s quite right. If the only way to pray was to replicate the model prayer exactly we should have a very poor prayer life! I think the lesson, though, is “think Who you are addressing, and the relation in which you stand to Him”. Let us begin our prayers with due consideration and respect.

Now let us turn our attention to the subscription. It is our normal practice to pray to Our Father in Jesus’ name. We follow His clear instruction:

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:23-24)

Praying in the name of Jesus amounts to going to God and saying “Father, it’s just as if Jesus Himself were asking you”. That’s a mighty claim, and not one to be gabbled or rushed over! Think Who’s credit you’re pledging when you present your petition, and handle that name with reverent care!

A prayer is not a sandwich to be gobbled — it’s a treasure to be lingered over, and presented with reverence.