Do you pray formal prayers?

Question

I know Catholics and Baha'is say formal prayers, and I believe Muslims and Jews do too, but I might be wrong on that point. I was both Catholic for most of my life and Protestant for two years. While Protestant, the church consisted of Hispanic ex-Catholics. I say "Hispanic" to paint a picture, because Catholicism is bone deep in the culture. A common thing to talk about was not to say formal prayer, that it was SO BAD. (No, I'm not being prejudiced, that's what really happened. Besides, I'm Hispanic.)

I went back to Catholicism, and of course practiced formal prayer again. Now as a Baha'i, formal prayer is still a part of my religion. I was so used to the idea, that when I converted, it was a no-brainer and no "culture shock."

Does anyone out there practice formal prayer, and if so, what prayers do you say?

If you are opposed to formal prayer, why so? I want to point out that nowhere in the Bible does it say that formal prayer is forbidden, so if you are opposed, why so?

Answer 1

I'm a Buddhist, but I spent over nine years as a Baha'i, so I know what you are referring to. I remember the Short Obligatory Prayer, and I pondered over the meaning of those three sentences, and what I discovered is that it's more or less a mantra, a way of integrating the teachings of the Faith into the total consciousness.

However, for me, it felt rather hollow. Not because of the nature of the prayers, but because of how I actually believed the nature of prayer worked. To me, if it's a mantra, it's a form of meditation. I found it far better for me to sit quietly and "listen" to the Universe instead of trying to actively engage it with prayer.

The only thing that I do like about formal prayers is that it puts aside the egos of those reciting them. I remember from my Protestant Christian days (before my Baha'i days) the complaints of formal prayer not being heartfelt. I tended to look at these self-written prayers as almost wish-lists, which may or may not be filled, and the rationalisation of either direction could be explained in either direction.

I hope that gives you a useful perspective. I wish you well.

Answer 2

I don't, though I know most of the the catholic prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, etc) since I too was raised catholic.

However, I feel that a 'non-formal' prayer is more meaningful, to myself at least, because it's much more personal..

I look at it this way, if I was writing a love letter to someone, would it be more meaningful to copy down someone else's love poetry, or write directly from the heart my own words. Granted, in some cases something prewritten fits exactly what you're trying to say so using someones poetry, either alone or in conjunction with my own words might be the best course of action in that case.

The same can be said for prayer, sometimes perhaps an Our Father will fit what you're after, sometimes it's not the right thing, or just not enough. Prayer is a personal communication between yourself (or the group of people praying) and God. A formal prayer might be a good piece of a prayer, but in most cases it's likely not enough.

It's like the difference between doing just enough to not be fired (saying just a formal prayer) and working hard to earn and deserve a raise (saying your own personal prayer, alone or in addition to a formal prayer). Maybe that's a weird way to explain it, but I think it should illustrate my point fairly clearly.

Answer 3

Formal prayer is a must
Actually there is time for formal prayer, and that is, when u get up in morning.
Reason at that given moment u mind is thought less & pure, any prayer at this time works wonder
Forget all other things JUST PREY

Answer 4

Formal prayer is fine as long as the person knows what the prayer means. Too many people just memorize them. the prayer then is not coming from the heart.

Answer 5

This is your Egyptian God/King Anubis, and I do Not go by the bible, its written by Man, thats enough to realize I must be spiritual instead, without falling under a certain religion!! I think that is more prosperous for us all, to discover and have our own prayers, spirituality!! Theres no set way to pray, this is a free world!

Answer 6

there is nothing wrong with formal prayer, provided it is meaningful to you.
The bottom line is that God is a God of love who wants to be in relationship with us. Prayer is about talking to God, whether that's formally or informally. It's how we build our end of the relationship.
God Bless You
B

Answer 7

My prayer if you want to call it that is deep breathing and meditation.

Answer 8

I am not sure, I am confused and need help.