Respectful Repetition

Respectful Repetition

Matthew 26:42, NKJV

Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

Mark 14:39, NIV

Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.

Setting the Scene

When is repeating yourself in prayer a good thing, and when is it redundant or evidence of unbelief? Jesus repeated a prayer he had uttered just a little while before. But Jesus also taught, “When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7, NKJV). How do we harmonize Jesus’ words about repetitive prayers with his words about prayer in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8)?

Vain repetitions come across as mindless incantations rather than conversation. Persistent prayer, however, is attentive praying, expecting an answer and using the multiple expressions of concern as an exercise in conforming to God’s will. When we conclude a prayer as Jesus did, “Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39, NIV), we are admitting that our wills are not yet the same as God’s will, but we recognize the priority of his will.

In Matthew’s record of Jesus’ second prayer, Jesus was conforming his will to his Father’s will. The first prayer was “If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39, NIV); the second one said, “If it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done” (Matthew 26:42, NIV). The previous request has become an assertion. It may take time to move from knowing God’s will to accepting God’s will.

Getting Personal

How do you gauge the difference in your own practice between unnecessary repetition in prayer and persistent prayer?

What are some needs or concerns that have been matters for persistent prayer?

A vital component of spiritual growth involves becoming more and more conformed to God’s will in every part of life. Yet the actual process may take several steps. Our initial acknowledgment of God’s perfect will may take some time. Jesus told us we would have trouble in this life. Accepting this as God’s will in a general way is very different when it becomes his specific will for us.

Talking to God

If necessary, wrestle your way in persistent prayer to the point of deep acceptance that God’s ways are best. Praise God for drawing you into closer conformity with his will for you.