How should I pray?

Dear Jacob,

A few random points about prayer.

1. The desire to pray is itself a form of prayer. When we cannot pray, we do our best, and trust that God will accept our desire and intention and give us what we need.

2. It helps to use familiar forms. The Lord’s Prayer, as gasmansopt3 describes, is an excellent prayer. There are also many other “standard” prayers, and hymns, you can use. Explore them, ask other believers what they find helpful, try them. The Catholics have a plethora of prayers available.

3. It helps to pray with others. They can support you in your weakness and need, guide you on the way to prayer, and you can return the favor, or “pay it forward” some day.

4. Do not demand perfection of yourself. Just pray as best you can. Do you demand that every moment of your marriage or every moment you spend with a friend be perfect? Do you not trust that God loves you just as you are, that even as God has hopes for you to improve, God also accepts your current weaknesses and struggles?

5. It helps to set up a “shrine” and a “holy hour” and build up a habit of prayer. Then, every time you see that corner, possibly with a picture of CHrist, a candle, a Bible, or whatever you find helpful, you will be reminded of your dedication to prayer. Every time you decide to go there and sit or stand or kneel and make the effort, you will reinforce your choice to pray. Every time you set aside distractions and focus on God, you will strengthen and train your spirit to pray. Posture, regular habit, a holy place: these all help our unruly soul turn to God.

It’s like getting ready to go to sleep. If you insist on exercising, getting your mind all active, worrying about your responsibilities, etc. etc, you might find it impossible to rest. But keep a regular schedule for bedtime, take a warm cup of tea, soothe your mind, relax, perhaps in a warm tub, and sleep will come much easier. Prayer is similar: we must train and prepare ourselves to pray, or it is difficult.

Jacob, There is a place in the bible where the essence of prayer is dealt with specifically by Christ Himself. It’s found the the book of Matthew chapter 6 verses 9 - 15. It’s affectionately know as the “model” prayer. Verse 9 beginning,” In this manner, therefore pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen”. Now, that being said, prayer is your communication with God, as if you talk to a friend. The “model” prayer is exactly that, a model, through which we use as an example for our prayer life. A repetitious prayer only goes as far as the ceiling so when you pray consider the blessings that God has given you. For example, life, a job, friends, a home, protection from danger, nature, eternal salvation, His word and so on. God already knows your heart and the fact you need things to live. Thankfulness goes a long way, not only in your prayer life but also in everyday life. Prayer and bible reading should be as much a part of a Christians life as food. Without food and water we die. Without a healthy prayer life and obediant walk with Christ we die spiritualy which is far worse. Prayer doesn’t have to be arduous and dull. In fact in one of the parables or examples Jesus gave was of a pharisee(religious hypocrite) and a “sinful man”. The two were in the synagogue praying. The Pharisee, smug in his heart, prays, “thank God I’m not like that sinner.” The other said,” God be merciful to me a sinner”. Who do you think left the synagogue with their prayer answered? Jacob, Be honest with God and ask Him how and what you should pray. Blessings to you.

the question should be is my prayer received? you have to know that whatever the position, one should pray earnestly with faith and believe.God does not look into style but your heart.

You can close your eyes and focus on how you think he looks and pray that way. He loves it no matter which way it’s done. He loves you unconditionally.

If you are praying to Christ, whether it be in front of the depiction of Him or kneeling with hands clasped, or in the privacy of your closet, it is always a good thing. Prayer to Him in all forms does not ever bring you any harm. He would want you to be at your most comfortable so that you can tell Him everything. No matter where or how you pray, just keep doing it. :)

There’s no required format. Just close your eyes and talk to him…

Just speak to him honestly as you would speak to a friend but be respectful

Exactly what “captainassassin” said.

It is just like having a heart to heart talk with God.

YOUSTART SING AND GIVING GOD PRAISES AND THANKING HIM FOR HIS MERCY AND FOR HIS GRACE ASK HIM TO RENEW THE RIGHT SPIRT IN YOU AND TO GIVE YOU A PURE HEART ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOU OF YOURS SIN FOR WE COME SHORT OF GOD GLORY.ASK HIM TO GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO STAY FOCUS AND PRAY WHEN YOU FEEL WEAK PRAY FOR OTHER PEOPLE AND FOR THE WORLD THANK GOD FOR HIS LOVE AND TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM ASK HIM TO GIVE YOU PEACE AND BLESS YOURS CHILDREN \FAMILY MEMBER JUST PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME AND END YOUR PRAY BY SAYING IN JESUS NAME AMEN AND HAVE FAITH THAT HE HEARD YOU PRAYER IN BELIVE IT CAUSE WITHOUT FAITH ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD CAUSE FAITH COME BY HEARING THE WORD OF GOD. READ YOUR BIBLE READ PROVERBS AND PSALMS OR MATTHEW TALK ABOUT GOD LIFE MUST KEEP THE FAITH .YOU DON’T HAVE TO PRAY LONG I JUST GET CARRY AWAY TALKING ABOUT HOW GOOD JESUS IS HE A LOVING GOD. HE SO AWESOME HE WORTHY TOO BE PRAISE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND OPEN UP YOUR MIND AND GIVE YOU UNDERSTANDING OF HIS WOR GOD BLESS YOU.