Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
How many people repeat this prayer verbatim in their churches? Yet just before Jesus gives this outline of prayer, what does He say?
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.
Jesus says not to use vain repetition. Yet, lo and behold, Christians around the world repeat this prayer verbatim, and call it the Lord's prayer. In other words, people are doing exactly as Jesus would have them NOT do! Vain repetition indeed! If this was the very prayer that we were to always pray, why did Jesus pray differently in John 17?
How many people repeat this prayer verbatim in their churches? Yet just before Jesus gives this outline of prayer, what does He say?
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.
Jesus says not to use vain repetition. Yet, lo and behold, Christians around the world repeat this prayer verbatim, and call it the Lord's prayer. In other words, people are doing exactly as Jesus would have them NOT do! Vain repetition indeed! If this was the very prayer that we were to always pray, why did Jesus pray differently in John 17?