Matthew 6:8

8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.

Matthew 6:8 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 6:8

Be not ye therefore like unto them
. Do not be imitators of them, and follow their ways, who have only the dim light of nature to guide them; it would be shameful in you to do as they do, when you have a divine revelation for your direction; and especially, because

your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him;
and therefore have no need to make use of many words, or much speaking, or long prayers. The omniscience of God is a considerable argument, and a great encouragement to prayer; he knows our persons and our wants before hand; and as he is able to help us, we have reason to believe he will; especially since he stands in the relation of a Father to us.

Matthew 6:8 In-Context

6 "When you pray, go into your room. Close the door and pray to your Father, who can't be seen. He will reward you. Your Father sees what is done secretly.

7 "When you pray, do not keep talking on and on the way ungodly people do. They think they will be heard because they talk a lot.

8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.

9 "This is how you should pray. " 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored.

10 May your kingdom come. May what you want to happen be done on earth as it is done in heaven.