What Jesus was warning about
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns his followers not to pray like the heathen, piling up words because they imagine many words will guarantee an answer (Matthew 6:7). The problem is not repetition by itself. It is treating prayer like a formula, chant, or way of forcing God's hand.
Jesus points to the heart behind the words. God is not impressed by a performance, long speeches, or phrases repeated without attention. He is a Father who knows his children's needs before they ask (Matthew 6:8). Prayer is relationship, not magic.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Repeated prayer is not always vain
Jesus himself prayed in Gethsemane with deep sorrow before his arrest. Matthew says he prayed again using the same words (Matthew 26:44). That was not empty repetition. It was a real, costly request, offered again to the Father in a moment of anguish.
So it is all right to keep bringing the same concern to God. You may pray for a sick friend, a struggling child, work, forgiveness, or courage day after day. Jesus even told a parable to encourage people to keep praying and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). Repetition becomes vain when the words are detached from trust, attention, and honest desire.
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Simple words can be sincere
A short prayer can be full of faith. Hannah prayed from such deep grief that her lips moved but no voice was heard, and God saw her distress (1 Samuel 1:13). The Lord hears more than audible sentences. He sees the person who comes to him.
Ecclesiastes cautions us not to rush our mouths before God or multiply words carelessly (Ecclesiastes 5:2). That does not mean you must find perfect wording. It means you can slow down, speak truthfully, and leave room to listen. A plain prayer such as, “Father, help me trust you today,” can be genuine.
How to pray without empty words
Try praying with your actual circumstances in mind. Thank God for a particular kindness. Name the fear or need you are carrying. Ask clearly for help. Then entrust the outcome to him. If you use written prayers or familiar phrases, you do not need to avoid them, but let their meaning become your own as you pray.
Jesus follows his warning about vain repetitions by giving his disciples a pattern for prayer, often called the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9). Its focus is God's name, God's kingdom, daily needs, forgiveness, and protection. Those themes can guide both brief prayers and repeated prayers, keeping them rooted in love and trust rather than anxious striving.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.