Liturgy: vain repetition?

“Vain repetitions” is part of the King James Version’s rendering of Matthew 6:7 – “ But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Other Bible translations put it this way: “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” (NIV).

The verb in Matthew 6:7 in Greek has the idea of “repeating the same thing over and over, to babble, to speak without thinking.” And in context, that kind of prayer life takes place with the mistaken idea that people can somehow impress their god to receive their answer to prayer.

Is there repetition in historic Lutheran liturgies? Certainly there is a template for common items, but there are also numerous places where the worship service offers variety from week to week. Common elements in worship services do not automatically translate into “vain repetitions.” I think you would agree that “speaking without thinking” can take place in worship services that have no liturgy “template” from week to week.

The potential problem is not the form of worship but the worshiper. Consider how God rebuked his Old Testament people for their empty worship life even when they were doing outwardly what he had commanded (Isaiah 1:10-15). God-pleasing worship involves the head and the heart. Your question is a reminder and an encouragement to be involved in that worship regularly.