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Why would Jesus tell you not to be repetitious in your prayers when He was repetitious in His prayers?
Are we not to imitate Christ? (1Co 11:1)

Or, are the "vain repetitions" which "the heathen" do (Mat 6:7) a reference to the incantations which the pagan priests use when they pray to their false gods?

If we are not to repeat prayers then, having said the "Lord's Prayer" once, should we never say it again? That would be repetition.

But, you do as you like.

Enjoy

Jesus said his soul was exceeding sorrowful unto death, Mark 14:34. We read in Luke 22:43,44 an angel appeared from heaven strengthening him as he was in agony and prayed more earnestly and his sweat was likened unto great drops of blood falling to the ground.

Jesus was speaking to Peter, James and John in Mark 14:38 as he said, Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

The Spirit that is Christ was ready to fulfill God's will, but the flesh part of him was weak as he was weakened and in agony as his soul was exceeding sorrowful unto death. Within the flesh part of Jesus he might have been tempted for a moment not to do God's will as this could be why he prayed the same thing three times. Paul taught about the flesh being weak and tempted in Romans 7:23 and Galatians 5:17. Jesus knew before the foundation of the world what He would go through so that would be no surprise to Him, but yet praying the same thing three times He was being strengthen each time until the day was ready.

This is not repetition of vain words, but stages of praying for strengthening of the Spirit for God's purpose. I couldn't even think how this would compare to what Jesus said in Matthew 6:6-8.
 
sometimes some of my daily prayer is Lord HELP ME repeated several times in a day

Those are not vain words, but simplistic in your petition you put before the Lord. Vain prayers are conceited, lacking worth or substance like the prayers of the Pharisees.
 
This is not repetition of vain words, but stages of praying for strengthening of the Spirit for God's purpose. I
Mat 26:43-44
And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Neither is the Jesus prayer repitition of "vain words."

If you don't feel li9ke using it then don't use ir.
Why are you bothering me about it?
 
ok i ask probably shouldnt but out of curiosity what does dirty river water have to do with baptism ?

Absolutely nothing as we are saved by the renewing of the Holy Spirit and the word of God as the word is the living water that flows through us.

BTW, I use dirty river water as that is what some are baptized in in my area as an outward appearance to others that you have received Christ.
 
Those are not vain words, but simplistic in your petition you put before the Lord. Vain prayers are conceited, lacking worth or substance like the prayers of the Pharisees.
So?
The "Jesus prayer" is taken from the prayer of the publican (tax collector) which Jesus gave as an example of proper prayer.

So, when you call the "Jesus Prayer" "vain" you are saying that what Jesus personally commended as proper prayer is actually, in your opinion, "vain."

Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess."
And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
 
the word is the living water that flows through us.
Where did you get that?
Jesus used the term "living water" to refer to the Holy Spirit.
John 7:38-39 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
 
Mat 26:43-44
And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Neither is the Jesus prayer repitition of "vain words."

If you don't feel li9ke using it then don't use ir.
Why are you bothering me about it?

Where are we taught to pray something called a "Jesus prayer"? I never heard of it. You are the one that started all of this with your post #3 with giving the example of what to say when Jesus already gave us a manner in which to pray in Matthew 6:9-15. I tried to let all of this go, but it's you that keeps bringing it up so why are you bothering me with it?
 
I know what Baptism is and only made reference to dirty river water that does not save us
Hmmmm.....
It would seem that you might actually not know what baptism is.
Peter told the Pentecost crowd that they needed to be baptized "for the remission of sin".
If your sins are not remitted, you cannot be saved.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
So there, Peter is told the people to be baptized (born again of water) and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Born again of the Spirit) just like Jesus said needed to be done at John 3:5.

Anyway, the Jesus Prayer is an excellent way to keep one's focus on Jesus with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

But, maybe that's not for you. Is OK.

Do as you like.
 
So?
The "Jesus prayer" is taken from the prayer of the publican (tax collector) which Jesus gave as an example of proper prayer.

So, when you call the "Jesus Prayer" "vain" you are saying that what Jesus personally commended as proper prayer is actually, in your opinion, "vain."

Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess."
And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

23 post and you are just now showing these verses!!! but yet why do you title it "Jesus Prayer" as this is just something the tax collector spoke in sincerity of his heart. Nothing vain in his prayer.
 
Where are we taught to pray something called a "Jesus prayer"? I never heard of it.
I gave its source in my post #26.
I never heard of it.
There are many things of which neither of us has heard. Our ignorance of their existence does not invalidate them.:shrug
Jesus already gave us a manner in which to pray in Matthew 6:9-15.
HE also gave us an example of how to pray at Luke 18:10-14. (Also in my post #26)
I tried to let all of this go
Really??
Then why did you keep posting back to me telling me how wrong I am??? :confused
To let somethin go, you only have to quit responding. :shrug
why are you bothering me with it?
I'm responding to your posts to me.
If you don't want a response from me then don't send me posts.

I have found that the Jesus Prayer (or the prayer of the publican) is a great way to stay focused on Jesus and away from all the noise and distractions.
Your mileage may vary. :)
 
23 post and you are just now showing these verses!!! but yet why do you title it "Jesus Prayer" as this is just something the tax collector spoke in sincerity of his heart. Nothing vain in his prayer.
It was an instructive parable given by Jesus which described sincere prayer which is acceptable to God not just something some tax collector said some time some where.
 
Hmmmm.....
It would seem that you might actually not know what baptism is.
Peter told the Pentecost crowd that they needed to be baptized "for the remission of sin".
If your sins are not remitted, you cannot be saved.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
So there, Peter is told the people to be baptized (born again of water) and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Born again of the Spirit) just like Jesus said needed to be done at John 3:5.

Anyway, the Jesus Prayer is an excellent way to keep one's focus on Jesus with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

But, maybe that's not for you. Is OK.

Do as you like.

Please do not make an assumption saying I do not know what Baptism is as I can send you the three pages I wrote on Baptism and was baptized 40 years ago. I said I would not discuss this here as it has nothing to do with the OP. Please respect iLove OP and stay on topic as she asked a couple of questions that needs to be addressed.
 
Please do not make an assumption saying I do not know what Baptism is as I can send you the three pages I wrote on Baptism and was baptized 40 years ago. I said I would not discuss this here as it has nothing to do with the OP. Please respect iLove OP and stay on topic as she asked a couple of questions that needs to be addressed.
And I answered.
Unfortunately, you took umbrage at my answer and have been hammering me with your rebuttals and other topics.
So, maybe, you can let it go now?
 
Where did you get that?
Jesus used the term "living water" to refer to the Holy Spirit.
John 7:38-39 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

John 3:5 never mentions the word baptize, but says only by being born of water and spirit, which means water as living water (word) that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are Spiritually renewed (born again) by the word, which is Christ Jesus and by the Holy Spirit that came on them in the OT and indwells us in the NT. Many do read into the passage a preconceived idea or theology, but baptism is never mentioned in this verse. Word is living water as described in John 4:10; 7:38; 1John 5:6; Jeremiah 2:13; Isaiah 55:1-3 to name a few.
 
Matthew 25:1-13 King James Version (KJV)


25 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Five of the virgins were religious, they thought they were saved. Millions presently are in the Church, but not in Christ.

My question is about vs. 3 & 4, how does the Believer receive a constant flow of the Spirit within our hearts and lives daily so we will remain wise and not become foolish? Question about vs. 5, did they have ears that didn't hear, eyes that could not see, and no more understanding (Romans 11:8)?
I apologize for all the off topic comments.
I use the "Jesus Prayer" a lot.
I also pray in tongues a lot because Paul said "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself,".
(1Co 14:4a, NKJV)
I also read the Psalms and 2 chapters from the Historical books, Prophets, Gospels and Letters every day.

There are several "sayings" which are applicable.
You are what you eat. (TV, Facebook, or Bible and prayer?)
GIGO ("Garbage In Garbage Out) (What you focus on is what you put in your brain and it's also what will come out of you in words, attitudes and behavior.)
What you see is what you get. You can focus all the evi and foolishnessl in the world or into "the perfect law of liberty."
Jas 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
 
John 3:5 never mentions the word baptize, but says only by being born of water and spirit, which means water as living water (word) that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are Spiritually renewed (born again) by the word, which is Christ Jesus and by the Holy Spirit that came on them in the OT and indwells us in the NT. Many do read into the passage a preconceived idea or theology, but baptism is never mentioned in this verse. Word is living water as described in John 4:10; 7:38; 1John 5:6; Jeremiah 2:13; Isaiah 55:1-3 to name a few.
I thought you wanted to stay on topic and let it go.
Guess not.
 
And I answered.
Unfortunately, you took umbrage at my answer and have been hammering me with your rebuttals and other topics.
So, maybe, you can let it go now?

I don't take umbrage as to what others post and I'm sorry you thought I was hammering you with rebuttals as I was only wanting to discuss our differences, but now you have taken offense and I will reply no more to you, but to other posters. You have a good evening sir.
 
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