How to pray....

[Quiet Storm]

Hmmm.....what I find a little 'confusing" is that Jesus tells us how to pray in Matthew something and we're told not to use "vain repetitions" or make "long prayers" but at the same time, we see people saying more than just a couple lines' worth in their prayers, including Jesus Himself. So does this mean that the Lord's prayer just acts as a guideline to follow?

 

[Peter]

As an Orthodox Christian, the Lord's prayer is a real prayer to pray, not merely a model.

It is propbably the second most used prayer behind, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."

There is nothing wrong with what my wife calls "scripted" prayers. God gave us a whole book of them. They're called the Psalms.

The point of Jesus comments was to avoid drawing attention to oneself by "Showing" everyone how holy you are by the length of your prayers.

Every one I know gets hung up on the repetitions part of the statement and completely forgets vanity, or self importance. Repetition is not the problem, vanity is the problem. Jesus prayed the same prayer three times. Paul prayed the same prayer three times. The Psalms are to be prayed daily. Repetitions? Not a problem. Vanity? Huge problem.

Peace.

Peter.

 

[SAVEVERYONE]

I believe we shouldn't pray the same prayer twice, but rather pray with our hearts instead of our heads, I believe true prayer begins with the heart, whats the use in praying the same prayer over and over its as though were saying God doesnt hear us, so we keep on praying the same prayer over and over, God hears us the first time. Just a thought from the Heart

 

[wonder111]

I believe we shouldn't pray the same prayer twice, but rather pray with our hearts instead of our heads, I believe true prayer begins with the heart, whats the use in praying the same prayer over and over its as though were saying God doesnt hear us, so we keep on praying the same prayer over and over, God hears us the first time. Just a thought from the Heart

I completely agree with that. I also have a hard time praying with my head, because the words get in the way, my heart definitely knows what to say, so I let it do the talking

 

[Stanfi]

I'm not so sure I agree with not praying the same prayer twice. Take a look at the parable of the women (I believe she was a widow), who keep taking her petition before the unjust judge over and over. Then finally the unjust judge granted the women her petition. I believe if we keep bring our requests before God, it shows him that we are sincere about them.

 

[SAVEVERYONE]

mrstace I agree with you to, Its just that sometimes we we need to quit praying with are heads and start praying with the heart, its within the heart where life flows to change the world.

 

[aries]

__________________
"Emotions are never an accurate barometer of spiritual death or commitment"
Pastor Mike Moore

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You are right there dear Mr. Moore .

And yet we do measure and behave as if the emotions ' right ' measurement of our Faith ?

What one does important not what one feels . we all know that's not easy , but that's how it is , sadly to often .

At he same time god knows our works ;

And he knows as well that we - one can't 'create emotions ' , that's very often out of our hands - god knows that as well .
take care
aries

 

[peaceful soul]

__________________
"Emotions are never an accurate barometer of spiritual death or commitment"
Pastor Mike Moore

========================

You are right there dear Mr. Moore .

And yet we do measure and behave as if the emotions ' right ' measurement of our Faith ?

What one does important not what one feels . we all know that's not easy , but that's how it is , sadly to often .

At he same time god knows our works ;

And he knows as well that we - one can't 'create emotions ' , that's very often out of our hands - god knows that as well .
take care
aries

Emotions, feelings, and all other human realities are not a barometer of our faith, how we should pray, or our approach God. However, if those feelings, emotions, and other realities, substantiante our convictions, they can become a very powerful communication tool with God.

The best thing we can do is to ask God to show us the proper way to pray and deal with other issues. The Holy Spirit is there to assist us if we allow Him to guide us.

Another thing is to be honest with God. If you are praying from your head, just tell God and ask Him to help you not to do it. Being honest with God is so crucial: even if it may be embarassing or seem trivial or hard to confess.

Mat 6:9 is not the Lord's prayer; it is the Deciple's prayer. Jesus never prayed it; for it would be a contradiction if He did.

Check out Rom 8:26.

 

[BigEd]

i don't think there really is a wrong way to pray. the important things are that God gets the glory and the thanks, and that we are honest with God.