Keep Your Prayers Simple - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - August 7, 2021
2021Aug 07
Keep Your Prayers Simple By Rick Warren
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words . . . for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:7-8 (NIV)
God is much more interested in humble and authentic prayers than a long-winded sermon in prayer. Just get to the point!
Jesus had a lot to say in the Sermon on the Mount about praying simply, without trying to sound super spiritual:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words . . . for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8 NIV).
You don’t have to convince God of what you need. He already knows! Just come to him as simply, honestly, and humbly as you can, and talk about what you need.
Don't use prayer to show off. I’m sure you’ve seen people do that. But that doesn’t mean they get any credit for that kind of prayer. God doesn't want to hear that kind of prayer.
Instead, be sincere. Don't spout off clichés. Don’t add in fillers because you’re afraid your prayers are too short.
Talk to God like you would to a loved one or a good friend. Say, "God, nice day. Thanks for making this one. Talk to you in another three seconds." Prayer is an ongoing conversation. You can just pick up where you left off in another minute and keep the conversation open.
Adding words to your prayer doesn't make it any stronger. Keep it simple, with a sincere heart and sure faith.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Build a Firm Foundation of Prayer in the Next Generation!
“Perhaps the most important role you can play in the life of a child is teaching them to trust God through prayer. It’s the key to living with hope.” —Pastor Rick
That’s why it’s so important to strengthen the hope of kids by introducing them to Jesus’ model for prayer at an early age. And we’re excited to help you do that with Pastor Rick’s children’s book, The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness.
Filled with thoughtful insights from Pastor Rick as well as stunning illustrations from award-winning artist, Richard Jesse Watson, this book brings the poetic scripture from the King James Version alive for readers young and old. It’s sure to become a meaningful bedtime ritual, a treasured memory, and by God’s grace, a legacy that bears good fruit for generations to come.
This book is a perfect way to share the beauty and richness of The Lord’s Prayer with the children the Lord has placed in your life. And it’s our thanks for your gift below to help Daily Hope take the Good News to more people everywhere. So please request a copy for yourself or a friend today, and thanks for your generosity!
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