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In praying, don't use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
Before you ask
If the Father knows before you ask, then the purpose of prayer cannot be information. You are not briefing God. Prayer is not persuasion, and not a quota of words to be met.
The contemplative answer is alignment: the turning of your attention toward the one who already knows, until you begin to want what is wanted for you. The fewer the words, the less there is to hide behind. The Jesus Prayer is seven words. Centering prayer is one. The deepest prayer, the tradition says, is none.
Practice
Pray for what you need today in a single sentence. Then stop, and sit for five minutes in the awareness that it was already known.
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