Matthew 6:8

8 be ye not therefore like to them, for your Father doth know those things that ye have need of before your asking 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 `But thou, when thou mayest pray, go into thy chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who [is] in secret, and thy Father who is seeing in secret, shall reward thee manifestly.

7 `And -- praying -- ye may not use vain repetitions like the nations, for they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard,

8 be ye not therefore like to them, for your Father doth know those things that ye have need of before your asking him;

9 thus therefore pray ye: `Our Father who [art] in the heavens! hallowed be Thy name.

10 `Thy reign come: Thy will come to pass, as in heaven also on the earth.