“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like 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.” Matt. 6.7,8

When I was a kid I used to drive my parents crazy with my constant verbage. I could talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime, about anything; and I did.

One evening my dad and mom and I were driving onto the airbase at Jacksonville; LRAFB. I was about seven or eight. I was filling the air with all that I knew about the base and the planes and the air force and anything else I could think of. My father finally said, “Rob, hush son. You’re just talking to hear your head rattle.” Well, I was insulted. I was hurt. So, I sat back in my seat and I didn’t say anything. I was quiet for at least three, maybe two, minutes. My dad felt the tension in the air and he felt bad for jumping on me so he said, “Son, I didn’t mean you couldn’t talk at all.” “Well then”, I said, “as I was saying…”

I wonder how many times the Father tires of my constant blabber when I am in prayer. So many times I fill the air with what I want to hear or what I think makes me sound important. So often I come to him out of a sense of duty and not out of sincere desire. Is your prayer life like that?

I believe that what the Father wants to hear is how much we love him. He wants to know that we are listening for his call. He is dying to give us exactly what we need at exactly the proper time. As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what Jesus did.

So, the next time you talk to him, just tell him what you need. Tell him what’s on your heart. Let him know that you love him. Thank him for being who he is. He’s waiting. I’ll stop babbling and let you guys talk.

Matthew 6.9-13