And when you are praying, do not babble on and on like the pagans; for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7-8, TLV

He Just Wants to Be With Us?        Unfortunately, we’ve all been to prayer meetings where there was a lot of “babbling.” Eloquent wording, but babbling nonetheless. Some of us—like me—are are internal processors, others of us external processors.

This is just my thought, but because external processors need to process out loud, it can sound like babbling.

So, let’s address the context of this passage, as well as this other phenomenon, because the LORD has thoughts on that, too.

Today’s passage is within the context of “grandstanding” a prayer. To be blunt, showing off. Praying is a personal conversation with the Creator of the Universe — our Father. There is an attitude of respect, but also great love and trust.

In the verses following today’s passage (vss. 9-13), Yeshua taught us how to pray — a template of sorts. It begins with worshiping our Father, then acknowledging His sovereignty and praying in agreement with His will. From there we address our repentance of sins and our responsibility to forgive others. Then …

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. (vs. 13, TLV)

Jesus covers pretty much every aspect of temptation to sin within us and around us. Even addressing the evil around us.

Not much babbling here, is there? When we follow this prayerful roadmap, we stay focused. We’re less likely to get lost in the grandstanding.

Those External Processors

What about those external processors (EPs)? Those folks who must talk out every thought to find that kernel of understanding? EPs, when you can, go into your quiet place—your “prayer closet” for that. There we have the freedom to talk it out intimately with the LORD for as long as it takes. Or call a trust prayer partner who is able to guide you away from distractions and “chasing butterflies.”

Then, taking the time to listen. Listening is one of the most important things in communication. Again, this is generally best done in our quiet time.

The last thing we want is to cause others to wander in their thoughts rather than walk with us in agreement while praying.

Psalms

I love the book of Psalms. Don’t you wonder who of the writers are EPs? I think David might be, but he is quite eloquent in his supplications. Emotional. Angry. Grateful. Worshipful. In awe of His majesty. As you may have noticed over the past year in my Prayer Prompts for Israel, most are taken from Psalms.

Many times, these Daily Word posts are my way of processing — to find a kernel or two of understanding. There’s usually quite a bit of editing I need to do before it goes public. (Ha! Even then I miss mistakes.)

Am I Grandstanding?

This is my private, intimate time with my Heavenly Father. I hope sharing with you is not seen as grandstanding. No guarantees that there might be a bit of babbling from time to time — please forgive me when that happens.

More than anything, I hope you takeaway from today’s passage and devotion, that even though our Father is the Creator of the Universe — the King of the Universe — He still just wants us to talk with Him. He already knows our needs, right? So, it’s our time together and He loves spending time with us. Isn’t that amazing?

Think More About It

How do you just “hang” with the LORD? Is your prayer time always “formal” or is it a mix of informal and formal? Love to hear your thoughts.

May we enjoy our time with the LORD, my friends.

Praying for Israel—Prayer Prompts

O God, save me by Your Name,
vindicate me by Your might.
O God, hear my prayer,
listen to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen up against me.
Violent men seek after my soul.
They do not set God before them. Selah  Psalm 54:3-5, TLV

Arise, dear Father! Amen!

God bless you, dear friends.