And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
Matthew 6:7
Christians can use words and activities superstitiously, especially when speaking or acting without understanding how the kingdom of God functions. For example, some Christians get caught up using the phrase “what you say is what you get” (or “name it and claim it”). Supposedly if you affirm what you want, you get it. But if you say what you do not want—voicing something you worry might happen—that also happens to you. This is superstition, making us resemble those who Jesus said “heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do” in prayer, thinking “that they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7 NRSV).
Possibly many professing Christians have little except superstition in their religious activities. They pray “in Jesus’ name,” thinking it’s almost magical but not understanding what the phrase entails. We must each search our heart on this matter. We do not have to be superstitious if we seek above all the kingdom of God.
Willard, D. Hearing God Through the Year.