The Persistence of Prayer: Repetition as Faith, Not Vanity

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The Persistence of Prayer: Repetition as Faith, Not Vanity

By St. Andrew’s Orthodox Celtic Church

Introduction: Yom Kippur and Covenant Prayers

In ancient Israel on the high holy day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), all of Israel bowed low before the Lord YHWH. The entire nation fasted and prayed unceasingly for the blood of atonement to be successful for the nation. As Paul said these were our forefathers, and did not want us ignorant of these practices(1 Cor 10:1), we too should reflect on what Christ fulfilled. They prayed earnestly as they awaited the annual national covering of the blood atonement to be done by the high priest who could only once in the year enter into the Holy of Holies. Bells hung on his robe, and another priest stood ready—for if he were impure, he might be struck down (Exodus 28:33–35), and must immediately go in his stead.

The people prostrated themselves again and again, pleading for mercy. These were not casual prayers; they were repeated cries of life and death.

In Christ, the true High Priest (Hebrews 9:11–14), this atonement is fulfilled once for all. Yet we still are called to pray, fast, and remember. As St. Paul writes:

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:26, KJV)

This rhythm—as often as ye do it—is itself holy repetition. We’re to continuously remember His sacrifice and offer it with similar sanctity in every time and place (Malachi 1:11). As St Paul said, whenever we gather together it is to abide in Christ’s body(too many verses to list), and whenever we assemble it is to come to the Lord’s Supper (1Corinthians 11:20). This affirms the thankful celebration of the victory of Christ our Lamb, is the central theme of worship, as it says “till He come” or “till He returns again”.

1. Did Jesus Forbid Repetition?

Many Protestants stumble at 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.” (KJV)

The key word is vain (battalogeo = empty babble). Christ condemns meaningless chatter, not sincere repetition.

Proof?

  • He immediately gives a set prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matt 6:11) —clearly for daily use.

  • He Himself prayed repetitively: “And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.” (Matt 26:44, KJV).

  • Heaven’s worship is constant repetition: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty” (Rev 4:8).

Repetition is not the problem; emptiness is.

2. The Parables of Persistence

Luke 11:5–13 – The midnight friend

  • The reluctant neighbor first refuses (v.7).

  • But “because of his importunity [ἀναίδεια = shameless persistence] he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” (v.8).

  • Persistence wins even with a sleepy man. How much more with God!

Luke 18:1–8 – The persistent widow

  • A harsh judge is moved by continual begging.

  • If even an unjust man yields, “shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him?” (v.7).

Both parables teach: keep asking. Do not faint.

3. Three Biblical Modes of Prayer

Scripture uses different words for prayer. Each type has its place—and repetition can belong to them all.

  1. Ask (Supplication, Petition)

  2. Demand (Bold Appeal, Covenant Claim)

    • “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” (Heb 4:16).

    • Jehoshaphat’s prayer (2 Chr 20:5–12) invokes God’s promises at length.

    • This is not arrogance—it is holy insistence, grounded in covenant.

  3. Worship (Adoration, Prostration)

4. “Pray Without Ceasing”

  • “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess 5:17)

  • “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Еф 6:18)

“Without ceasing” means regular, rhythmic, at all times. The Church has always understood this as both set hours of prayer і short, repeatable prayers throughout the day.

Malachi 1:11 foretold:

“From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering.”

This prophecy is fulfilled as the Church offers ceaseless prayer—both long liturgies and short invocations.

5. The Prayer Rope: A Practical Help

In both East and West, monks quickly discovered: when doing 100 prostrations, or repeating short prayers, it is easy to lose count. Thus arose the knotted cord—the Orthodox prayer rope.

Uses today:

  • With words: Jesus Prayer, Psalm 70:1, or “Holy God.”

  • In silence: bow with each knot, offering body and soul.

  • In covenant demand: short phrases like “Remember Thy covenant, O Lord.”

This is not superstition. It is discipline. The rope is a tool for the heart to “pray without ceasing.” More: https://celticorthodoxy.com/2025/08/the-tassel-of-the-covenant-from-torah-to-the-prayer-rope/

6. The Blood of Jesus: Our Atonement Remembered

At every Eucharist, Christ’s command is:

“This do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor 11:25)

“As often as ye do it,” we proclaim His death until He comes. This is holy repetition, not vain repetition. Just as Israel repeated prayers for mercy on Yom Kippur, so we proclaim the Blood of the New Covenant continually.

Through Him we have:

  • Access: “Having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” (Heb 10:19)

  • Persistence: “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1)

7. What Is Vain Repetition?

  • Not set prayers (Our Father).

  • Not persistent short cries (Jesus Prayer, Psalms).

  • Not long covenant prayers (Jehoshaphat, Daniel).

  • це є empty, wordy babble—prayers without heart, faith, or meaning.

Better a single Jesus Prayer with tears than hours of “weather talk” to God.

Conclusion: Encouragement to Persist

The devil’s deception is to make Christians fear repetition. Yet the Scriptures, Christ Himself, and the witness of heaven all command persistence: Ask, Seek, Knock.

  • Repetition is not vanity; it is faithful persistence.

  • The Psalms, the Shema, the Lord’s Prayer, the prostrations of Celtic monks, the Jesus Prayer—all are holy patterns.

  • Whether asking, demanding, or worshiping, repeat with faith, and your Father will hear.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1, KJV)

👉 We invite you: take up the rope, bend the knee, and join the ceaseless prayer of the saints. Visit our Liturgy Page (on the homepage, right-hand side) to pray with us.