Questioning sincerity...

[catch22]

I seem to have a problem with sincerity when I'm praying. I don't know if I truly believe what I'm saying to God or if I'm just saying what I think he wants to hear, but it really bugs me. Could it be that I just don't know enough about God yet, or does this seem like a larger problem? Any advice woul be welcomed.

 

[Kelly]

Say exactly what you want to say to God. You can really emote, say what you need to say. You can be mad at God if you need to (may people in the Bible have done so). If you are having trouble connecting to Him, ask him for guidance in getting reconnected "Why haven't you been hearing me?". God loves you, you are in a relationship with him. You should always talk honestly with those you are in a relationship with, don't candy coat it!

 

[Mark W]

Thats alright for now. Many children are more apt to tell their parents what they perceive their parents want to here. Yet, at the same time they can be brutally honest; just like you!

You are telling God what you think he wants to here, then you come on here and get honest. God is not surprised and he already knows everything there is to know about you and loves you anyway. Just point it out to him. Tell him you regret it. Ask him to help you overcome it and trust that he will provide. Then, as you catch yourself doing it, go through those steps again. Over time, you will begin to see that God is giving you grace to change.

Blessings,

Mark

 

[Stanfi]

There may come a time in your life when you have a problem. The only person who can help you with that problem will be God. When you realize this and want help. You won't have any problem getting serious with God.

I think a key step for us is to realize that we cannot hide anything from God. He know our every thought before we even think it. Don't be afraid to tell God anything, he already knows it.

 

[Blessed-one]

If you are having trouble connecting to Him, ask him for guidance in getting reconnected

absolutely. Keep praying and asking God to help you overcome this problem, just don't hesitate on whether God is going to answer though (i know a lot of people (including me) kind of just say it and carry around an attitude: God will answer if He will, hence one reason for the lack of sincerity)

 

[Pseud]

I like all of the advice, it's also helped me in some way! Here's another couple of things to think on..

Like it's been said, God knows what's in your heart and you know what's in your heart too. You're a christian. You love God and God loves you. There's no need to doubt yourself

I had this problem before, and as my relationship with God developed it lessened and lessened. I think it's natural with any relationship with anyone. You're a little weary, want to make a good impression It'll pass as you get more and more comfortable with God.

A few nights ago I went to pray and I just didn't feel like I was getting closer to God (usually I can feel the distance between us getting closer as I go further into my prayer). Then I tried something. I quitened my mind and let my heart speak. I barely remember what was said but it was very enjoyable and definitely something I'll be doing more often. I thought about it... How can God talk to us, if we're always talking to Him?

Hope this helps