When Paul wishes to say that he wants the exclusive allegiance of the Corinthians, and that he does not want them to pay attention to false teachers, he says, "I feel a divine jealousy for you". What is the 'divine jealousy' to which he refers? It is God's care for His people and His claim on them. He watches over them with special care' but He also claims His people's loyalty. We cannot reasonably expect divine care if we refuse to respect the divine claim.

Invocation of pagan deities was regularly a fulsome affair. The god's attention had to be attracted, hence a prelude of elaborate titles and adulatory attributes. There is no need for any of this says Jesus. All one needs is to turn trustfully to Abba. Besides, a child does not set out to flatter his daddy, for the father is more keenly aware of the needs of his children than they themselves are. How much more is this so of God? Therefore, one does not need to shout to attract God's attention. It might seem that nothing could be clearer than this admonition of the Lord. Prayer is to be simple and direct; it is not to be longwinded.