Is there a right way to pray?

lifewanderer · #1 28th October 2009, 12:25 AM

I have perhaps a silly question. I've seen people pray. Some say it formally like a set prayer, some are freely speaking, and some say certain words.

Whenever I have talked to God, I usually start off by saying "I'm sorry, God" because I've usually done something horrible. Or I'm in begging mode and am asking God for something or forgiveness.

So my question is: Is there a right way to pray?

Thanks for listening,

Cindy

ditte · #2 28th October 2009, 06:21 AM

Hi.Peace be with you.God is our Heavenly Father.If you gave your life to Jesus,and he is in your life and born again,you are God's child.You have the right to go before him anytime.He loves you like he loves Jesus.First try with simple prayers.Tell God you love him.Sing to him.Tell him what's in your heart.
Jesus teached the desciples (and us) how to pray.He gave us a form,in what way to pray.The Lord's prayer.It's an example he gave,a direction how to pray.Firswe should call God our Heavenly Father,because he is our Father,our Dad and we are his children.We praise him,praise his name.Tell him how much we love him.Thank him etc.We pray about that we want his Kingdom to come and his will be done as in Heaven on the earth as well(we know that in his hands we are safe).We tell him our wishes,we speak to him like a child to a parent.We know that if we ask for bread he won't give es a stone.He takes care of us.Then we confes our sins and ask him to forgive our debts as we forgive everyone our debtors.Ask him to lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.
We tell the Father that his is the kingdom,the power and the glory,for ever.Amen.
He loves us.Jesus gave us this example.Try it with your own words.Tell God that you love him.Pour your heart to him.Like a child to its Dad.God bless you.

Webers_Home · #3 28th October 2009, 11:19 AM

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RE: So my question is: Is there a right way to pray?

Yes, there is.

First of all; according to Christ's testimony at Mtt 6:7-8, the Bible's God is already fully aware of your concerns before you even speak; so get down to business and spell them out succinctly, clearly, and intelligently rather than wasting His time and/or boring Him to tears with a flowery intro, or rote chanting, memorized prayers, or by reading from a book of published prayers.

You know, if there's one thing that really annoys even Dr. Laura it's callers who keep repeating themselves. I've seen her several times hang up on callers like that after she's instructed them more than once to stop it; but no, they're like a broken record and just have to keep telling Laura their story for the Nth time over. Well, she doesn't tolerate that kind of air-headed conduct and I seriously don't think the Bible's God does either.

I appeal not only to your reason, but also to your sensibilities. Suppose the door bell rang one day and when you opened up— yikes! —it was God himself in person. Would you welcome Him into your home with lofty rhetoric, rote chanting, a litany of memorized prayers, reciting a rosary, or by reading from a book of published prayers? I don't think so. Compare Abraham's social graces at Genesis 18:1-8 if you're still not sure on how to relate to the Bible's God in your own home.

The Bible's God is a sentient, sensible person; and we all need to show some respect for His intelligence. I guarantee He will be most grateful for your regard.

†. Heb 4:15-16 . . For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The word boldly is from the Greek words meta parrhesia (met-ah' - par-rhay-see'-ah). The term means frankness; which Webster's defines as: free, forthright, and sincere expression.

Frankness implies lack of shyness or secretiveness or evasiveness due to considerations of tact or expedience; viz: frankness implies unbridled freedom of speech and the liberty to speak your mind without fear of criticism, infractions, censure, ridicule, shame, disgrace, retribution, or retaliation. Christian Forums' despotic management practices don't permit community members to be frank with each other; but the Bible's God, who is much higher in dignity and intelligence than any of Christian Forums managers, does.

Frank prayer is far and away much better than rote prayer. Rote prayer is really no different than replaying the message on an answering machine; just a loop of the same words over and over again. I guess that would be okay if the Bible's God had a bad memory; but that's highly doubtful.

Frank prayer is conversation from the mind and heart, not an endless loop. Rote-prayer models like the Our Father, the Act Of Contrition, the Apostles' Creed, and the Hail Mary, are not even close to being acceptable to God. No, on the contrary, those kinds of prayers insult God's intelligence. Repetitious, rote prayer is really no different than a lullaby; but I seriously doubt the Bible's God has the mind of a child and/or needs someone to tuck him in at night.

And finally: never, ever pray in a mystery tongue. If you don't have enough command of your own native language in order to express yourself clearly and intelligently in words that you understand; then sign up for classes in language and grammar at your local community college and bring yourself up to speed so you won't come across as a frothing lunatic when attempting to communicate with the Bible's God.

C.L.I.F.F.
/

toolite · #4 28th October 2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by lifewanderer

I have perhaps a silly question. I've seen people pray. Some say it formally like a set prayer, some are freely speaking, and some say certain words.

Whenever I have talked to God, I usually start off by saying "I'm sorry, God" because I've usually done something horrible. Or I'm in begging mode and am asking God for something or forgiveness.

So my question is: Is there a right way to pray?

Thanks for listening,

Cindy

yes a sincere prayer of whats on your heart intended only for God with all of your mind on him.

All The Glory Belongs To God!

lifewanderer · #5 28th October 2009, 10:10 PM

Thank you for all of your replies. I have found in the past that I've asked others to pray for me rather than me praying and I guess it's because I didn't think God would listen.

I usually end up praying myself when I hit bottom and am engulfed in self-hatred and hatred towards others. I consider my praying as lying face down in the gutter with nowhere else to go and no one else to ask besides God. Then by that time I feel God has given up on me and my prayers become just empty pleas for help.

Tonight, I felt the self-hatred and pain well up inside again. I said, "God, I am asking you to help me stop this. I am weak and can't stop this on my own. Please God, help me not go down into the anger." Then I emailed the church I attend and put in a prayer request to help me talk to God. To help me stop the anger.

I listened to a bible study cd today. It talked about that all God wants is for us to believe. That's all he asked of Abraham....to believe in him.

I believe that God is listening to me. I believe that God has forgiven the evil wickedness I've beaten people down with. I am truly sorry for the hurt I caused others and want to believe that God will allow me a second chance. I believe that God will help me not be tempted into the hatred and darkness.

I'm not sure how to pray this, but I will have faith that God hears me.

Cindy

toolite · #6 29th October 2009, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by lifewanderer

Thank you for all of your replies. I have found in the past that I've asked others to pray for me rather than me praying and I guess it's because I didn't think God would listen.

I usually end up praying myself when I hit bottom and am engulfed in self-hatred and hatred towards others. I consider my praying as lying face down in the gutter with nowhere else to go and no one else to ask besides God. Then by that time I feel God has given up on me and my prayers become just empty pleas for help.

Tonight, I felt the self-hatred and pain well up inside again. I said, "God, I am asking you to help me stop this. I am weak and can't stop this on my own. Please God, help me not go down into the anger." Then I emailed the church I attend and put in a prayer request to help me talk to God. To help me stop the anger.

I listened to a bible study cd today. It talked about that all God wants is for us to believe. That's all he asked of Abraham....to believe in him.

I believe that God is listening to me. I believe that God has forgiven the evil wickedness I've beaten people down with. I am truly sorry for the hurt I caused others and want to believe that God will allow me a second chance. I believe that God will help me not be tempted into the hatred and darkness.

I'm not sure how to pray this, but I will have faith that God hears me.

Cindy

Please understand that when you allow yourself to stay hurt or mad or sad then the enemy can step in and torment you make things seem worst than what they really are. You'll learn to speak against this in confidence and it shall move. If the enemy is attacking you and trying to use you- then its something great given to you by God!

All The Glory Belongs To God!

Mobiosity · #7 29th October 2009, 12:31 PM

You hit on it in the last line of Post#5
With faith. Don't depend on whether you feel He's hearing you, know that He is hearing you.

Try thanking Him when something good happens or when you wake up in the morning. Thank Him that you're alive. Thank Him for the elevator coming quickly. The more you thank Him, the more you'll notice all you have to be grateful for.

freeport · #8 29th October 2009, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by lifewanderer

I have perhaps a silly question. I've seen people pray. Some say it formally like a set prayer, some are freely speaking, and some say certain words.

Whenever I have talked to God, I usually start off by saying "I'm sorry, God" because I've usually done something horrible. Or I'm in begging mode and am asking God for something or forgiveness.

So my question is: Is there a right way to pray?

Thanks for listening,

Cindy

However you are comfortable... remember God sees your thoughts all day long, everyday. So knowing that means there is a dialogue going on.

I find I usually say things outloud when they are really pressing on me.

Remember to be private about prayer, except for formal ones.

Godschild87 · #9 29th October 2009, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by lifewanderer

I have perhaps a silly question. I've seen people pray. Some say it formally like a set prayer, some are freely speaking, and some say certain words.

Whenever I have talked to God, I usually start off by saying "I'm sorry, God" because I've usually done something horrible. Or I'm in begging mode and am asking God for something or forgiveness.

So my question is: Is there a right way to pray?

Thanks for listening,

Cindy

In the Bible, we are told to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5), among many other things. Prayer isn't just talking to God, it's also listening to Him. Prayer for me usually involves doing things to communicate my love for Him and others, not talking. For example, I'll play video games and name the characters after real people and pray for them throughout the game- and view going through the game and completing challenges as a prayer as well. I'll also sing. Sometimes I'll actually talk to God, but most of the time my prayer and worship is far more active than simply words that are spoken or written.

I encourage you to pray in whatever way best reflects who you are. If you like nature, go on a walk with God. If you like parties, go to them and set a good example for others. If you like movies, analyze the plot for Christian parallels. There are a ton of different ways to pray, and each one you do should reflect your personality.

Godschild87 · #10 29th October 2009, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by lifewanderer

Thank you for all of your replies. I have found in the past that I've asked others to pray for me rather than me praying and I guess it's because I didn't think God would listen.

I usually end up praying myself when I hit bottom and am engulfed in self-hatred and hatred towards others. I consider my praying as lying face down in the gutter with nowhere else to go and no one else to ask besides God. Then by that time I feel God has given up on me and my prayers become just empty pleas for help.

Tonight, I felt the self-hatred and pain well up inside again. I said, "God, I am asking you to help me stop this. I am weak and can't stop this on my own. Please God, help me not go down into the anger." Then I emailed the church I attend and put in a prayer request to help me talk to God. To help me stop the anger.

I listened to a bible study cd today. It talked about that all God wants is for us to believe. That's all he asked of Abraham....to believe in him.

I believe that God is listening to me. I believe that God has forgiven the evil wickedness I've beaten people down with. I am truly sorry for the hurt I caused others and want to believe that God will allow me a second chance. I believe that God will help me not be tempted into the hatred and darkness.

I'm not sure how to pray this, but I will have faith that God hears me.

Cindy

I'd like to say something else, too. Romans 6 is a beautiful chapter, because it talks about death in the most amazing way imaginable. Before I go further, let me present the text I'm referring to:
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?
Rom 6:2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
Rom 6:3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,
Rom 6:6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;
Rom 6:7 for he who has died is freed from sin.
Rom 6:8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
Rom 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.
Rom 6:10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
Rom 6:11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Rom 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,
Rom 6:13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

You're not evil, wicked, or even subject to your sinful nature anymore. To take another leave out of Paul's teachings, You are a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come. You died to sin so that you can live through Christ's resurrection. This is why baptism in Bible times was done by immersion- to represent dying and coming back to life. Our faith is possible because of Christ's work 2000 years ago: this work was recording in the Bible, and is a fact. It's not just a story told by a bunch of zealots. The Bible is one of the most historically accurate books we have. It would take more faith not to believe its promises, when you think about it.