Talk:Matthew 6:7

I want to add a personal comment to this verse but I'm not so sure how to do this. Shall I put it in the Commentary section? Anyway here it is: It is often alleged that Jesus argued in this verse against formulated prayer. But if one looks closely at the Greek original text it becomes clear that this is not the case. Literally the verse states that the disciples shall not pray as the pagans, because they think they will be heard when they make many words. Since after this introduction in true praying Jesus teaches the disciples a formulated prayer it would be senseless to argue that Jesus was against formulated prayer. On the contrary, the text can be interpreted that monastic tradition which focus on the repition of only a few words (f.ex. the Orthodox "Jesus Prayer" in which the words "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me) are repeted constantly during the day) is a true and biblical prayer. --Benedikt 00:42, 19 July 2008 (PDT)