A Depiction of Jesus in Prayer at Gethsemane
Today, reply is on believers becoming immersed in and joined to divinity through sacred prayer. The idea of “vain repetition” in ones prayers addresses making public displays of ones religious practices to impress others, and addresses offering prayer to Deity that lacks spirit content from the makeup of GOD. Through the example and guidance shared by Jesus Christ, we see that the problems that make a person’s prayers ineffectual arise from the intent, process, and purpose of their prayer. Sacred prayer is to be more than a repeating of specific language and speech, or recurring requests to meet recurring needs. In the same way, “I love you” may be exchanged countless times between a man and his spouse without the familiar words becoming false, meaningless and trite, believers may approach divinity sharing “thank you,” “please forgive,” and “Amen” without also committing transgression of divine law, or the offering of “vain repetition.” One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
Why did Jesus say the same prayer 3 times in a row, if praying repetitiously is bad?
(Matthew 26:39-44):
"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words."
Some sects teach praying in repetitions is bad but Jesus prayed in repetitions in this example
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6: 5-8, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The GOD Who Answers? (04/04/2017); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)
“Anonymous”, here are some points Christian believers benefit by:
(1.) In the same way saying “I love you” should never be thought of as boring, powerless, and unnecessary between a husband and wife, repeating specific phrases, thoughts, and words in prayer (e.g., thy kingdom come, thy will be done) are not forbidden or prohibited. Even so, all who pray are counseled to avoid “vain repetition,” making presentations that lack spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as balance, faith, gratitude, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, and unselfishness.
(2.) The sacred process of prayer is one of contact, exchange, and interaction with the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) by the spirit substance that has been imparted to a created being or living creature, and is more than a matter of speaking words, the grandness and poetry of ones vocabulary, or using speech to create a focus on desires. There is a rejoining of spirit to Spirit, and an affirmation of sacred personhood that displays oneness without sameness.
(3.) Just as prayers can not be offered to change the heart and mind of GOD (i.e., bribe, influence, manipulate divinity), there are many secular and worldly things maintained through mechanical means and natural laws that do not respond to the prayers of believers. Even so, it is correct to importune and persevere in prayer.
(4.) Given that divinity is immutable and unchanging, there are multiple features that repeatedly appear as aspects of sacred prayer. Included are confession, requesting counsel, declaring the terms of covenant, intercession, petition, praise, and thanksgiving. Properly offered prayers do not present complaining, nagging, self-promotion, condemning and slandering others, or gossip and talebearing.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) using language from the Bible, sacred prayer continues discovery and displaying respect by believers as well as instruction and revelation from divinity: Romans 8: 26, King James Version (KJV): 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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