Jesus says in Matthew 6:7-8, “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Pagans do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

This text is followed by Jesus explaining to pray what we now call the Lord’s Prayer.

I timed myself praying the Lord’s Prayer, and it took 25 seconds.

In Matthew 26:40, Jesus scolds the disciples for not being able to stay awake while He prayed for “only one hour.”

If God already knows what we need, and we do not repeat our requests over and over, what does one do when praying for an hour? Maybe most of the time is to listen for God’s answer and guidance.

Dear Lord, Help us remember that prayer is our connection to you, not only for us to talk to you, but for you to talk to us. Help us take the time to quietly wait for your messages. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.