Is there a wrong way to pray?

Jason0047 said:

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
The Word of God (is both the Living Word (Jesus) and the Communicated Word).
The communicated Word is the Bible.
This is how we derive our faith.
Without the Bible, we would have no faith.

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Faith cometh by hearing .....because we hear and believe we then Go and Do ... The doingis the faith..
As jesus said Those that hear the word but do not DO it are self decieved.

Sir there is a vast difference between saying i have faith.
And actually having faith .

Alithis said:

Faith cometh by hearing .....because we hear and believe we then Go and Do ... The doingis the faith..
As jesus said Those that hear the word but do not DO it are self decieved.

Sir there is a vast difference between saying i have faith.
And actually having faith .

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One of the problems with Cessationists I've encountered is their lack of importance on seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They make the assumption that everything experiential with the Spirit was only 1st century to write the Bible, and now the Spirit is given to everyone just by faith and it is automatic, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit of Christ is dramatic and life changing. It is not just something you take on faith. There is a procedure, and you KNOW it when you receive it. And on these forums, you can easily tell who has the Spirit and who doesn't by their lack of love, and their self-righteous arrogance. They won't even believe first hand accounts, but are like Thomas and must see it for themselves, and won't believe personal testimonies as if we are lying, some even going so far as to say that any "experience" is of the devil, as if the devil has more power than the Spirit.

Just_a_Christian said:

Can prayers be sinful? I don't know that you were asking that, either way, I would say yes prayers can be sinful. First of all, we are to pray to God, the Almighty only. Praying to man, dead or alive, would be wrong. Prayers can also be offered in an inappropriate manner, for example to be seen of by man...to appear holy. That too can be sinful. God's word makes mention of "vain repetitions" being unacceptable to Him. We should always pray that God's will be done and not "our" will. We can go to God boldly in prayer but we should always be humble and know we are approaching THE supreme Being. I feel we should always offer thanks to Him for all that He provides and has provided before we ask for anything more (again that is my preference). We should offer our prayers in the name of Jesus, His Son. Sometimes we are unable to find the appropriate words for what we are feeling and that's okay for the Spirit will make intercession for us in that situation. Lastly, I will leave you with these verses that tell us God does not hear "ALL" prayers.

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Peter 3:12

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
John 9:31
In Him

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Well, technically He "hears" everything, as He (already) knows everything also, but as to what He might "heed" or not, I don't know...? Or take into consideration, ect...? Under advisement...? (wouldn't recommend that last one though)... Under what circumstances ect...?

God Bless!

Jason0047 said:

Matthew 6 is clear that we are to pray behind closed doors. It is something we should not boast in doing. Read Matthew 6 several times in prayer.

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You do not (light and) set a lamp under the lamp-stand (or table or whatever) but on top of the lamp-stand (so it's light can shine)...

You are the light of the world; If you are His, and if, by His working in you, you live out scripture, and if your life reflects His life, ect... Or if sometimes other people see Him in you, ect... and recognize it, or Him in you, ect...

Or what is it you "fear" about doing it in public Jason...? (and is it not "yourself")...? Or are you "ashamed" maybe...?

God Bless!

Neogaia777 said:

Well, technically He "hears" everything, as He (already) knows everything also, but as to what He might "heed" or not, I don't know...? Or take into consideration, ect...? Under advisement...? (wouldn't recommend that last one though)... Under what circumstances ect...?

God Bless!

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Yes, it can be confusing considering WHO God is and the fact that He is omniscient - all knowing. But I do remember this verse in Jeremiah about the Jews:

Jeremiah 11:
11 Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will surely bring calamity on them which they will not be able to escape; and though they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them. 12 Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble. 13 For according to the number of your cities were your gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem you have set up altars to that shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal.

14 “So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble.

Neogaia777 said:

Well, technically He "hears" everything, as He (already) knows everything also, but as to what He might "heed" or not, I don't know...? Or take into consideration, ect...? Under advisement...? (wouldn't recommend that last one though)... Under what circumstances ect...?

God Bless!

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Apparently He makes the decision to "not" hear some prayers. It is the same as when He turned from the crucifixion of His Son, prompting the statement of "why hast thou forsaken me". There are some things in which God will not take part; the word describes Him as turning His face. Today we would say we hid our eyes from something. Back to the original topic, the text provided makes it clear that God does not entertain the prayers/petitions of sinners.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
John 9:31
If we are a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, He hears us. Being a worshipper is equivalent to saying we have faith in God and if we love Him we will do His will or obey His commandments.
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Rev 22:14
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1 John 2:4
We must obey God before we enter into a relationship with Him. Once we obey Him we enter into His grace....if we stop attempting to live the life Christ would have us live, we then fall from His grace.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
In Him

Just_a_Christian said:

Apparently He makes the decision to "not" hear some prayers. It is the same as when He turned from the crucifixion of His Son, prompting the statement of "why hast thou forsaken me". There are some things in which God will not take part; the word describes Him as turning His face. Today we would say we hid our eyes from something. Back to the original topic, the text provided makes it clear that God does not entertain the prayers/petitions of sinners.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
John 9:31
If we are a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, He hears us. Being a worshipper is equivalent to saying we have faith in God and if we love Him we will do His will or obey His commandments.
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Rev 22:14
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1 John 2:4
We must obey God before we enter into a relationship with Him. Once we obey Him we enter into His grace....if we stop attempting to live the life Christ would have us live, we then fall from His grace.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
In Him

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Yes, Great verses!
read #125

I have no problem with the commandments, especially the Spirit of them, and behind them...

It's just the "way" is all, I think there is a new and different and much better "way", The Way...

God Bless!

Neogaia777 said:

I have no problem with the commandments, especially the Spirit of them, and behind them...

It's just the "way" is all, I think there is a new and different and much better "way", The Way...

God Bless!

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Are you responding to someone? The commandments don't have anything to do with this OP, do they. Or is it having to do with God not hearing some lawless ones? Sometimes I've put someone on "ignore" but can't figure out why you said this. LOL

Neogaia777 said:

You do not (light and) set a lamp under the lamp-stand (or table or whatever) but on top of the lamp-stand (so it's light can shine)...

You are the light of the world; If you are His, and if, by His working in you, you live out scripture, and if your life reflects His life, ect... Or if sometimes other people see Him in you, ect... and recognize it, or Him in you, ect...

Or what is it you "fear" about doing it in public Jason...? (and is it not "yourself")...? Or are you "ashamed" maybe...?

God Bless!

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This is talking about good works and not prayer.
Oh, and no. I am not ashamed of Jesus Christ.
In fact, it's not nice to insinuate that I am by asking such a question.

Jason0047 said:

This is talking about good works and not prayer.
Oh, and no. I am not ashamed of Jesus Christ.
In fact, it's not nice to insinuate that I am by asking such a question.

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What about insinuating that someone is lying and you don't want to hear it.

To all:

Matthew 6:6 makes it clear that we are to pray in secret so that we will be rewarded openly.
Obviously we can pray with believers, but we should not pray so as to be seen and nor should we boast in our prayers.

..

Jason0047 said:

To all:

Matthew 6:6 makes it clear that we are to pray in secret so that we will be rewarded openly.
Obviously we can pray with believers, but we should not pray so as to be seen and nor should we boast in our prayers.

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When God speaks to me and tells me what to pray, I repeat His words, and the prayer is answered immediately. I've been alone, so my friend is this okay with you?

Natsumi Lam said:

In another thread a poster said to pray like the Lord's prayer but to not repeat it. Do you agree or is it religiosity creeping in?

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What an interesting question.

The only time I pray the Lord's prayer is when I perform the Divine Office and I haven't done so in a long while. I used to do it daily.

As a rule, I share my heart with the Lord throughout the day. Not solely during my quiet time but as things cross my mind. In the past I would begin by seeking His heart on the things I needed to address (which I termed His requests). These were usually prayers for others or issues He wanted me to focus on. Then I'd do the office, confession, repentance and then my petitions.

This format was an improvement over my initial practice. It was lengthy and I didn't address my concerns until the end. By then I was fatigued and losing steam. Three hours was my norm for a long while.

What I'm seeking most of all from my quiet time is communion with the Lord. I pray scripture as a rule. I may include my words from time to time but I prefer to use the Word whenever possible. I pray aloud while sitting in bed or at my desk. I gave up kneeling after my first three hour session!

There are moments when I'm fatigued or grappling with something difficult. I simply start talking and go from there. I don't hold myself to a specific form or establish a rule that must take place every time. Sometimes all we can muster is help and that suffices.

In some instances I've been encouraged to play worship music or given encouragement when my spirits are low. He is the great Comforter and a my greatest source of joy and peace. He is Father, Friend and Confidant. And that's how I relate to Him.

PS. I love David! The Psalms are my favorite verses to pray.

Jason0047 said:

Oh, and no. I am not ashamed of Jesus Christ.
In fact, it's not nice to insinuate that I am by asking such a question.

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Not just good works, and in fact it's not about works at all, especially only good works... It was about being a, or the light, and prayers in public or before or in front of others, is a part of that...

And, to what I quoted, "Have you ever been tempted to be...?" And, If you have, why was that and where did that come from...? What was it about or over...? And, what did you do with that feeling...?

God Bless!

Jason0047 said:

To all:

Matthew 6:6 makes it clear that we are to pray in secret so that we will be rewarded openly.
Obviously we can pray with believers, but we should not pray so as to be seen and nor should we boast in our prayers.

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Key words, "lest "we" should boast in our prayers"...

But if "we" do not or are not boastful in our prayers...?

And I think that is really the point and the point of the Spirit...

Does not mean you should absolutely not pray in public or publically for others or yourself, ect...

God Bless!

Neogaia777 said:

Key words, "lest "we" should boast in our prayers"...

But if "we" do not or are not boastful in our prayers...?

And I think that is really the point and the point of the Spirit...

Does not mean you should absolutely not pray in public or publically for others or yourself, ect...

God Bless!

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Many miss out on the Spirit, desperately clinging to the "letter" instead... and miss out, on even what the letter is trying to convey, that is: the Spirit, and miss the points that the Spirit is trying to make through the letter also... Miss out on truth, cause they refuse to change, and therefore refuse to grow... We were all wrong once, but they don't think they ever are now, or perhaps even ever have been wrong about anything...

God Bless!

Neogaia777 said:

Key words, "lest "we" should boast in our prayers"...

But if "we" do not or are not boastful in our prayers...?

And I think that is really the point and the point of the Spirit...

Does not mean you should absolutely not pray in public or publically for others or yourself, ect...

God Bless!

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Sorry. No offense, but I would prefer not to debate Bible topics with you if you disagree. Our disagreements in the past were not fruitful. The Word means what it says plainly many times. I can not force you to see it.

Blessings to you in the Lord.


Side Note:

As for others who may read this thread: Yes, I am aware of the praying in Luke 18, and James 5, but these are not ordinary every day prayers but they are for special circumstances. Also, 1 Corinthians 14 was a sign gift type public prayer (speaking in a real foreign language by the Spirit) with an interpreter that was only for the early church (To confirm that the words of early church were indeed from God and to edify the body).