Learn How To Pray

[altya]

Many of the psalms are written in the style of prayer or petition, and are thereby suitable in helping us learn how to pray, and how to express those innermost emotions and needs of which we often lack the words to express ourselves.

THE EXAMPLE OF THE EARLY CHURCH
Notice the prayer of the apostles in Ac 4:24-26
a. Addressing God, they quoted from Ps 146:6.
b. In expressing their problem, they referred to Ps 2:1-2
This prayer was offered as a result of persecution, and they chose to use the Psalms to express their problems to God.

WHAT THESE EXAMPLES TEACH US
1. That it is appropriate on occasion to use phrases from the Psalms in our prayers
2. When we realize that found in the Psalms are man's deepest emotions expressed in inspired terms, it is only natural that we would want to use them to express our own feelings
3. Of course, we want to avoid the danger of "vain repetition" (Mt 6:7), so we should use expressions from the Psalms only when truly heart-felt

BEAR IN MIND THE PROPER FORMAT OF PRAYER AS TAUGHT BY JESUS IN
MT 6:9-13...
1. Addressing the Father (9)
2. Praying for God's purposes (10)
3. Praying for our material needs (11)
4. Praying for our spiritual needs (12-13a)
5. Concluding praise (13b)

 

[forjesus]

Thanks, this is a very good post. I read a book called, Praying The Scriptures. Keep praying, God Bless

 

[altya]

Thanks

 

[OldBadfish]

Very nice Alta!

 

[fieldmouse3]

Good post...I usually just pray whatever comes up in my mind, but it's always nice to have a structure to fall back on when I get stuck for what to say.

 

[altya]

Good post...I usually just pray whatever comes up in my mind

I always pray whatever comes in my mind. I believe this is the way the Holy Spirit leads us. I use these guidelines when I write prayers for people. I find that the written word minister to many people