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Definition and Context
Repetitious prayer refers to the practice of repeating the same words or phrases during prayer, often with the intention of invoking divine favor or ensuring that one's prayers are heard. This practice can be seen in various religious traditions, but within the Christian context, it is addressed specifically in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical References
The most direct reference to repetitious prayer in the Bible is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus addresses this practice in the context of teaching His disciples how to pray. InMatthew 6:7 , Jesus instructs, "And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard." This verse highlights the concern that prayer should not be reduced to mere repetition or empty phrases, but rather be a sincere communication with God.

Theological Implications
The admonition against repetitious prayer underscores the importance of sincerity and authenticity in one's relationship with God. It suggests that God values the heart and intent behind the prayer more than the quantity or eloquence of words. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme that God desires a genuine relationship with His followers, as seen in passages like1 Samuel 16:7 , which states, "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

Contrast with Other Practices
While repetitious prayer is cautioned against, it is important to distinguish it from the practice of persistent prayer, which is encouraged in Scripture. Persistent prayer involves continually bringing one's requests before God with faith and perseverance. Jesus illustrates this in the parable of the persistent widow inLuke 18:1-8 , where He encourages His followers to "always pray and not give up."

Historical and Cultural Context
In the time of Jesus, repetitious prayer was a common practice among various religious groups, including pagans who believed that lengthy and repetitive incantations could manipulate or appease their gods. This cultural backdrop provides insight into why Jesus emphasized a different approach to prayer, one that reflects trust in a personal and attentive God.

Practical Application
For Christians today, the teaching against repetitious prayer serves as a reminder to focus on the quality and sincerity of their prayers. It encourages believers to approach God with honesty and openness, trusting that He hears and understands their needs without the need for excessive repetition. This teaching also invites Christians to cultivate a deeper, more personal prayer life, where communication with God is marked by genuine dialogue rather than formulaic recitation.

Conclusion
While repetitious prayer is cautioned against in Scripture, the emphasis is on fostering a sincere and heartfelt connection with God. By understanding the distinction between empty repetition and persistent, faith-filled prayer, believers are encouraged to engage in meaningful communication with their Creator.Matthew 6:7
But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Topicalbible.org

Chapter iii.
... (see Sch?�rer, pp. 498, 499). Examples ofrepetitious prayer in Scripture: 1 Kings
18:26, Acts 19:34. The warning is not against frequentprayer (Luke 18:1)....

Mark.
... of Mark is unclassical, inelegant, provincial, homely, poor andrepetitious in
vocabulary... out his weak and struggling faith with the earnestprayer for strong...

St. Chrysostom as a Homilist.
... for familiar and free addresses, such as we call aprayer-meeting talk; and... particularly
in drawing from an author so efflorescent andrepetitious as Chrysostom...

Hymns of Hope and Consolation.
... Some arrangements of it make it needlesslyrepetitious, but its pathos will always
best... A Debtor to Mercy Alone," and "Inspirer and Hearer ofPrayer," both now...

The Gospel of John
... with the Father, 14:1--- 16: 33; and offers the intercessoryprayer committing his...
by kai, de or oun, and his descriptions are often elaborate andrepetitious....

Wesley's Hymns Reconsidered
... which makes it possible to sing his hymns so easily to the so-called old-fashioned'
tunes, the florid,repetitious tunes, in... Here is aprayer to the Holy Ghost...

How to Preach the Gospel.
... They talk about their days of fasting andprayer, but are these the men to call
on others to fast and pray?... 5. Preaching should berepetitious....

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... in this broader field; to this end he invites toprayer and conference... From this
time the debate became miscellaneous andrepetitious; in its progress Fortunius...

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