Preface.

...accepted, as if he meant to completely reject all lengthy speech in prayer, even if it were not always the same words. I do not wish to first cite their testimonies Referring to the scholarly "interpreters and translators" mentioned on the previous page. at great length; for I hope no sensible person will deny it. Rather, I will only say that truly Christ himself explains the word babbling Original Greek: βαττολογεῖν (battologein). This term literally refers to stuttering or repeating oneself aimlessly, famously associated with a figure named Battus. through making many words Original Greek: πολυλεγεῖν (polylegein). The author is equating the "babbling" of the heathens with the mere quantity of words rather than the quality of the prayer.. And thus, without doubt, one will be able to know sufficiently what it means: "When you pray, you shall not babble much like the heathens." The author uses "heathens" (Heiden) to refer to non-Christians who believe God must be badgered or informed through excessive speech.

Therefore, let this first point stand firm, which according to all confessions Original: Bekenntnuß. In this context, it refers to the consensus of Christian denominations or doctrinal statements. your Savior has forbidden here: namely, that one should not use many words in prayer. Consider hereafter also that he himself has nevertheless commanded elsewhere that one should pray at all times (a) Luke 18:1. and not grow weary; indeed, that Paul, his apostle, often said: "Be constant The text breaks here; the full quote is likely "Be constant in prayer" from Romans 12:12 or Colossians 4:2...."