“The psalmists didn’t lecture about time with God, they simply implemented it. Is there something to be said to God? Then say it – not once, but twice or three times. And don’t say it the same way each time to do so would be to engage in the “vain repetitions” or “empty phrases” that Jesus warned against (Matthew 6:7 KJV, NRSV). Such praying becomes lazy; the brain is put in an idling mode, and the words roll out without thought or content. The psalmist would have none of that. He speaks his heart to God, and then searches for a way to say it again. Having rejoiced in a God who “makes me lie down in green pastures,” he follows his metaphor a step further: “he leads me beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2).” Dr. Ellsworth Kalas – “Longing to Pray”
Prayer prompt: As you pray, write down a short phrase or sentence that you have uttered to God. Now rewrite that same phrase…. and rewrite it again one more time.