A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

A MATTER OF THE HEART  

Matthew 6:7 “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”   Did you know you can purchase a prayer wheel from Amazon? “What” you ask, “is a prayer wheel?” According to Wikipedia, a prayer wheel is a cylindrical wheel used by Buddhists. Prayers are written and inserted inside or placed on the outside of the prayer wheel. According to Buddhist tradition, spinning the wheel has as much meritorious effect as orally reciting prayers. Some Buddhist actually create a prayer wheel that they place into a flowing stream of water to keep the wheel spinning, believing that the many, many turns of the prayer wheel will ensure that their prayer is answered.   Some individuals believe that when they have committed a sin, if they say enough prayers God will forgive what they have done. In fact, there was a time when assignments were given to pray the Lord’s prayer a certain number of times in payment for a sin committed or write it out ten times on a sheet of paper.  Jesus, in today’s devotional passage used the word babble. This word means to speak words that really have no meaning. We might say today instead of babble, gibberish. Jesus is saying it is possible to say, for instance the Lord’s prayer, but to simply say the words without giving any thought to the meaning or reason for speaking this well-known prayer.   The intent of your prayer, the thought behind the words, the reason you are praying the prayer is what matters to God. The number of words you pray, the number of times you pray, the time of day or day of the week is of no importance to God. He examines your heart, the faith you have that directs your words, and the relationship that you have with Him that matters. It is like the words of the Bible passage used in yesterday’s devotion said, “The prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Remember the simple definition for prayer given by the elementary school teacher that prayer is a heart-to-heart talk with God.

Prayer: Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable unto you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!  
What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer!  
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear 
All because we do not carry Ev’rything to God in prayer! 

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?  
We should never be discouraged— Take it to the Lord in prayer.  
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?  
Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness— Take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?  
Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer.  
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.  
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus - LSB 770