Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.¹

After Jesus said these words He went on to say, "This, then, is how you should pray..." and He taught them the Lord's prayerâ€"a prayer that has only 66 words!

I have read that the Gettysburg Address only has 286 words. The Declaration of Independence has 1,322 and the government regulations on the sale of cabbage has 26,911 words!

The point that Jesus is making in regards to prayer is that we need to get to the pointâ€"and not use empty, vain repetitious words that come only from the top of our head and not from the heart.

The meaning of our heart is what God wants to hearâ€"this is the foundation of all meaningful, intimate communicationâ€"with God or others. When we have open and honest communication with God, it gives room for growth in our lives, which will positively influence our relationship with others as well.


Suggested prayer: Dear God, when I pray, help me to share with You what my heart is saying and what I am truly feelingâ€"good or badâ€"and in so doing be completely honest with myself and with You. I want to grow in my relationship with you, and have healthy relationships with others as well. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1. Matthew 6:7-8 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

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