Exactly HOW should we pray?
Sometimes it's hard to express ourelves in words. However, if you feel like that, this should not keep you from speaking to God in prayer. We can be sure that he knows our needs and will understand what we want to say. (Matthew 6:8)
Think about it: Which expression do you most appreciate from a childhis
simple, sincere thanks - or the special words someone told him to say? Our Father in heaven likewise appreciates simple, sincere expressions from us. (James 4:6; Luke 18:9-14) No special words or religious language are needed. He will not even listen to those who pray in unusual or high-sounding language to impress others, or who say the same things over and over again in an insincere way. See Matthew 6:5, 7.
Even when you pray silently (in your head) God can hear. When Nehemiah did, God acted upon his sincere request, and likewise with Hannah. (Nehemiah 2:4-8; 1 Samuel 1:11-13, 19, 20) Nor is a persons physical position when praying the important thing. You can pray while in any position, at any time and at any place. However, the Bible shows that a position of humility, such as bowing the head or kneeling, is appropriate.
(1 Kings 8:54; Nehemiah 8:6; Daniel 6:10; Mark 11:25; John 11:41) And Jesus indicated that it is also good when personal prayers can be said in a place of privacy, unseen to men.Matthew 6:6.
Prayers to help others....
Jesus showed by his example the importance of praying in behalf of others. (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:20)
The apostle Paul knew the value of such prayers and often asked others to pray for him.
(1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Romans 15:30) While in prison he wrote: "I am hoping that through the prayers of you people I shall be set at liberty." (Philemon 22; Ephesians 6:18-20) That Paul was soon afterward released from prison indicates the benefit of the prayers that were said for him.Paul also said helpful prayers in behalf of others. "We always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling," he wrote. (2 Thessalonians 1:11) And to another congregation he explained: "We pray to God that you may do nothing wrong . . . but that you may be doing what is fine." (2 Corinthians 13:7)
Surely it is good to follow Pauls example and to make specific requests in behalf of persons whom we love. Indeed, "a righteous mans supplication [sincere pleading], when it is at work, has much force."
James 5:13-16.
What are proper matters about which to pray?
Phil. 4:6: Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.
The Bible show that we can pray for ALL THAT WE NEED, no matter what. As long as it is in harmony with God's will..... If a person for example pray for something that's not good for himself, then God will not approve it. Sometimes he answer that prayer in a way that we didn't expect.....
Furthermore, the allmighty God can easely see what we need, before we ask for it. But he want us to pray, with a humble heart and a humble attitude, and with strong faith.
STRONG FAITH is necessary in order to get what we pray for.
James 1: 6,7,8 says: But let him keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind
and blown about. 7. In fact, let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from God; 8. he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.
