Engage = to do or take part in something – to give attention to – to enter the battle.

Jesus said: “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles 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! Matthew 6:7-8 NLT

What do you think Jesus is talking about here?

Since God already knows what we need, but Jesus told us to pray – what’s the purpose of prayer?

Have you ever prayed without praying; gone through the motions without really thinking about what you’re doing? I don’t like to admit it, but I have and I know that’s not God’s desire. There have been times I’ve prayed, but it was more like a ritual where I just went through the motions.  God desires a growing relationship with me, not religious rituals.  A relationship involves time and conversation and I’m learning more and more about that in my relationship with God.  My key verse for the past couple of years has been Psalm 46:10 out of the Message paraphrase: “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

What’s the wise thing to do?