Praying with formulas

From Eugene Peterson’s The Message,Matthew, Chapter 6
Pray with Simplicity

7"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. 8Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need…"

When I was a full-time bi-vocational pastor I interfaced with all kinds of prayer people. If you have been a pastor at a charismatic church you know the folks I am talking about. Sometimes they call themselves intercessors, or as Peterson translates, "prayer warriors."

I’ve seen some who shout, and some who growl and grovel. I became convinced eventually that it was just a bunch of religious posturing and hoo-ha. Don’t get me wrong, some of these prayer sessions were really fun and exciting. On the other hand, I could never figure out why I would want to walk through a neighborhood and pray, never expecting to meet or speak with any of the inhabitants. I like what Jesus says, "Don’t fall for that nonsense." In retrospect that seems like really good advice.