Prayer by rote

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tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
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#22
Is prayer by rote commanded by Jesus it anywhere in the Bible? Do we just mindlessly repeat the Lord’s Prayer? Or is a framework to guide our prayers? It has never been repeated by a single person in the Bible after Jesus taught it to the disciples.
Saying the Lord's Prayer or any prayer is not mindless if you contemplate what it is that you are praying for and to allow God to effect this prayer in your day-to-day life. Those that read scripture daily or on a routine basis are also not doing in mindlessly, even if they have read the same verse or chapter many time previously because each time you read it there may be a new insight that is gleaned and possibly to apply in your physical and spiritual walk with the Lord. As for prayer being commanded by Jesus, this is probably so because how else could one grow in a spiritual sense?
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
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#23
I love the Our Father prayer! Jesus said "pray like this" so I see NO HARM in repeating that prayer, atleast you are guaranteed to nail it every time!
I pray each morning for the Lord to forgive my sins as I have forgive others and for my daily bread that is essential for a healthy physical and spiritual life.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
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#24
Jesus said pray in this fashion not pray this prayer. Vain repetition remains vain repetition.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
That is true only if the prayer was proved to be in vain.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
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#25
I repeat the gift of our Lord's prayer often, daily that is.

While praying it I hang on itsmeaning, every word, and I desire the meaning to be prayed by all who are the Body membersof Jesus, Yeshua.

This rote accusation has arisen befoe, and perhaps some folks actually do simply rcite it rote, but not the people I believe are in Christ.

I also, because of the gift of this prayer ususally pray in the first person plural because I believe all who love Jesus pray for me and with me also………… So those who say rote are probably those who think rote. Pray for them also. God bless you.
 
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7seasrekeyed

Guest
#26
Because I found a relevant thread and a muslim is asking. Is something wrong with this thread? I just searched about it.

ok that makes sense in that context

there's gotta be something wrong in every thread since such different views are expressed...can't all be right ;)

no worries. I just found your post out of the blue and I was curious
 
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7seasrekeyed

Guest
#27
ummm... Tourist

the op is no longer here

so I doubt he/she will get back to you on it
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
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#28
That is true only if the prayer was proved to be in vain.
Vain as in empty. Without the required feeling and emotion needed in prayer. Lacking urgency and and sincerity. Empty words said out of the mouth with nothing in the heart.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
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#29
Jesus said pray in this fashion not pray this prayer. Vain repetition remains vain repetition.
I would challenge you to repeat any of the prayers Christ or the saints have given us as "vain repetion". Do you really have the ability to repeat these powerful words without any thought to what you are saying?
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
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#30
I would challenge you to repeat any of the prayers Christ or the saints have given us as "vain repetion". Do you really have the ability to repeat these powerful words without any thought to what you are saying?
If that's how you pray then good wishes. Those who pray any prayer over and over again are praying just to pray. I'm thinking of the Roman catholic manner of praying their hail Mary thing with the rosery.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
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#31
ummm... Tourist

the op is no longer here

so I doubt he/she will get back to you on it
Actually, I didn't realize that the OP had quit the site but the point that was raised I found to be most interesting as I say the Lord's Prayer each morning on my knees before leaving the door for work in the early morning hours. I suppose I pray this by rote because I find it comforting and supportive. That is only a very small part of my prayer life though. Mostly my prayer to God takes the form of a conversation. In fact, we converse all day long even while I'm at work.

The fact is, I believe that you can serve God by just humbly doing your best on your job regardless of how menial or important the task may appear to be. Others may see how you operate and start asking about why you do the things that you do. While I do get paid for what I do I consider God to be my actual employer. I also believe that your true character is revealed by how you do your job when there is no one around to watch you or supervise you. I work unsupervised although God is looking over me and perhaps some angels are watching me too and writing things down in the books.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,657
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#32
Jesus said pray in this fashion not pray this prayer. Vain repetition remains vain repetition.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
Is it also a vain repletion to read the same Psalm or other bible verse more than once? The ones that Jesus were referring to were those who prayed publicly out loud so as to be heard and admired by others, and not some humble hurting soul who happens to find comfort and support praying the Lord's Prayer on his or her knees alone where no one can see or hear. Your perception on this seems to be myopic, narrow and has missed the point that Jesus conveyed on this issue.