A religious OCD question

I am fairly certain Matthew 6:7 is not talking about a repetition of forgiveness-seeking or prayer about forgiveness of sin. It is talking about pagans who fill their prayers with many words hoping their god will hear them. Rather, our words should be thoughtful and meaningful. I repeat my prayers constantly, and ask for forgiveness often.

I have to say, most of the things in Scripture I personally freak out about, the other believers around me will tell me I’m distorting them and being too literal. This happens frequently. If you have another believer in your life you can talk to, ask them how they interpret that verse. I think you will find we are often being hyper literal. I’ve also asked God to give me wisdom and understanding and help me not be confused and He has helped me several times. It’s awesome.

Do your best to respond to yourself with compassion. “It makes sense that I would feel this way because I have OCD.” God is not judging you. He forgives you the first time. Do you your best to delay from giving into the compulsion. Literally say “PAUSE” take a deep breath and remind yourself you can sit with the discomfort of not giving into the compulsions.

Also, I’d say that in those verses Jesus is talking about people who think they sound cool because they are praying a long time and it’s a source of pride for them. Not fear. Like the Pharisees who would pray aloud in public and do so for a long time because they thought it made them sound super holy. They were using prayer as a way of showing off.

I always tell myself compulsions are not a sin. It’s part of my sickness.