Interestingly, when Jesus was asked by one of his disciples to teach them how to pray, He starts by teaching them first how NOT to pray; using vain repetitions as did the heathen, expecting to be heard because of much speaking (Luke 11:1-4, Matthew 6:7). When we come to be in the presence of God, we should be laconic in our utterances, lest we make a foolish vow; we should not be rash with our mouth or hasty in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 5:2). It is not the quantity of prayer that matters but the quality of prayer that God is interested in. It is not how much we pray but how we pray that is important. Our words should be chosen carefully with forethought and uttered only upon the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, as supplication in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).
Lord, teach me to pray!
Matthew 6:7 (KJV)
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (KJV)
2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
