In Matthew 6:7, Jesus instructs us, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”  Well, I don’t know if pagans babble, but I know I’ve been guilty of it.  I’ve noticed that it occurs mostly when I’m praying for my kids.  I catch myself reminding God, the Creator, of my kid’s names and telling Him exactly why I need these prayers answered and how.  I also pray over and over, and in many different ways, the same prayers for God and his “warrior angels” to help and protect them.  The most terrifying fear of any parent is losing their children or having them suffer.

I don’t think any of this “babbling” business is bad, just unnecessary.  There is a superstitious aspect to it.  Jesus says, “My father knows what you need before you ask.”  Well, maybe what I need is not what I want. 

The truth is that when we pray, our prayers go through Christ and are perfected by Him.  Have you ever been jealous of someone whose prayers sound so eloquent while yours sound like clunkers?  It doesn’t matter.  They all get purified and polished before they are offered to the Father.  A good way to remind yourself of this is to end your prayers “Through Christ our Lord, Amen.”