When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask.
Matthew 6:7f
There are people who torture themselves in prayer. They set themselves times, in which they have to pray, for instance 30 minutes a day. And then they sit there, bored, their thoughts wander around, some fall asleep, only praying is what they can not do. Others fast, torture themselves differently, nag God about weeping and wailing; – If God is probably hard of hearing, or hard-hearted and stingy? If God wants such a relationship?
He’s a loving father who enjoys talking with His children! They may tell Him everything that bothers them. God is interested in every little thing. He likes it when we are all day in conversation with Him in our thoughts. He likes it when we see a need and discuss with Him. He likes it when we spend time with Him. He likes this informal conversation, this intimate togetherness. He likes it when we walk with Him and talk to Him. He likes it when we seek Him and focus only on Him; – This is called fasting. But He doesn’t like this performance thinking in prayer.. Or this haggling: When God does that, then I will …. Or blackmail: God, if you don’t do that, I will not believe anymore. No, God is not a negotiating partner in difficult conversations, but the Father who likes it to let himself ask by His kids.
In these verses Jesus warns us against another thing: If you do not forgive, then God can’t forgive you either and can not hear your prayers; – Because you are separated. We want to keep our hearts clean from bitterness and reproach and instead love and mercy shall reign.
Jesus warns us against pious words, which probably impress other people, but not Him. For Him they are just empty words.
He warns us of selfish prayer. He is not the machine, which must fulfill our wishes and desires.
He gave us a prayer that meets all "requirements" – the Our Father – Prayer.
He wants to be worried about us, a loving father who would do anything for His children. Will He find that trust?
Thank you, Father, You give me the faith – like a small plant You let grow the trust in me. Yes, I want to trust You, for You have always cared well for me. I want to trust in You and entrust You any trouble. Thank You, so I can live carefree and can take care of needs. Thanks, You are with me!