"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." -- Matthew 6:7-8

I'm sure that you have met some children who could talk your ear off and say very little. As they grow older, their conversations mature and what they have to say becomes quite valuable. As the years pass they take more time to think and choose their words carefully. They no longer "heap up empty phrases". 

Do we ever considered and evaluated our prayers in the same way? Jesus encourages us to pray thoughtfully, with mature content. God is not impressed with the multitude of words when they say very little from our heart. He wants to hear words that come from the depth of our being to the depth of his being. The Lord gives a pattern of prayer to protect us from heaping up "empty phrases".

When you take time to talk with your heavenly Father my friend, are your words well thought through? Do you remember that he already knows what you need? Does your prayerful conversation express worship, surrender, dependence and obedience? (verses 9-13) Is your heart seeking his heart in every word? Slow down and consider... are you heaping up "empty phrases"?