For the blessing at mealtime I say the same thing each time. I make sure I do not get called on at church to pray. I don't go to some things because I'm afraid I will be called on to pray. I hate it and would like to feel confident to be able to do it.
2006-08-19 11:23:55 · 25 answers · asked by hopeful 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sounds like you aren't very sure of your faith. The more you pray, the easier it will come, especially if it is from the heart. Ask for strength and guidance. No true christian is ever afraid.
2006-08-19 11:28:40 · answer #1 · answered by bluejeanrose 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Prayer is something that a lot of people want to be an open thing. This is why we say prayers aloud at church, and many "picture-perfect" families say grace together before dinner. However, prayer is just conversing with God, and if you truely feel more confident in what you say when you say it alone, then that is best for you. But take the chior for instance, all the singing they do is really just prayers put to music. It helps you think better and look at it all from a more distant angle while still thinking it up so you can see all its in's and out's.
P.S. iknowtruthismine, you're wrong when you say that. God is indeed all powerful, however he gave the planet and all its inhabitants free will. He promised us free will and thus could not take it away from anyone. However, is hitler not dead? Is hitler not gone? You need to be able to see things from the more open angle. Also to those who said its lack of confidence in your faith, you are also wrong. Every person has their link to their Diety, whether it is God or someone else. Whether they shout their prayers out in the middle of the street and try and convert everyone on the planet, or one who is much more humble about it, they are confident and trusting in their faith. Just remember no one is identical to yourself, and thus everyone will do things differently, think differently, and feel differently. So as a closing note, my friend if it makes you feel uncomfortable praying aloud, then do not. By doing so you will focus more on the discomfort it causes and loose sight of God, who is supposed to be your vision when you pray.
2006-08-19 18:31:20 · answer #2 · answered by warior916 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can sort of relate to you. I don't really like to say grace at thanksgiving or other events because I feel like people might think that what I said was'nt very spiritual at all. But I'm going to keep telling myself that I am surrounded by people that love and care about me, and that no matter what I pray they'll think it's great. As long as your prayer comes from the heart, there's nothing to be afraid or self consience of. God will accept any prayer you have for him. Hopefully we can both build more confidence in ourselfs about praying. Good Luck with your problem.
2006-08-19 18:56:04 · answer #3 · answered by Bina-Bina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't feel bad i cant either...i think it has to do with talking in front a group of people...i guess if u did it once it would get easier, maybe write down a prayer before u go to church and if u do get called on everyone will be praying and they wont see u reading it....we don't have to pray out loud the Pasteur does it or he ask someone before church starts. this is something u might want to pray about and maybe ask someone at church to help u....gl and May God Bless You
2006-08-19 18:38:27 · answer #4 · answered by Starbright 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I get nervous. I don't know what to say. I open my mouth and say something stupid sounding. Here is what helps me. Don't think about all those people around you. Remember, you are not talking to them but to God. Pray like you would pray if it was just you and God. because that is exactly how it is. Remember, it's just you and Jesus.
2006-08-19 19:54:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am the same way, but once you begin to pray, the rest just keeps flowing and you do not have the feeling anymore. To get confidence, from now on ask to pray, and do not let them ask you.
2006-08-19 18:30:05 · answer #6 · answered by perfect.warrior 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hopeful, I have always felt the same way. now if asked I would just say I do not make public prayer,may we have a few moments of silent prayer? Jesus said closet yourself and pray(i believe this means go into your heart) HE said worship GOD in Spirit and in truth. I think this means when we go inside we enter the heart in spirit with purity of intentions.IF you decide to make public prayer ask god to give you the words, it would help to train your body by making simple prayers with a close friend.LOVE
2006-08-19 19:24:59 · answer #7 · answered by Weldon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to have a good talk with the Spirit. I used to have the very same trouble when I was new in Christ, but I let the Spirit take over. Now, when called on to pray, I have no trouble. I just open my mouth and the Spirit takes over and uses my voice to say what He wants to say. Try it. You will find it works.
2006-08-19 18:40:32 · answer #8 · answered by stullerrl 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Agoraphobia?
Have you tried praying aloud when praying alone? That could be a start to breaking through any nervousness you may be encountering.
It also may be a good idea to learn more than one rote meal blessing:
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(standard meal blessing)
Bless this food, O Lord, we pray; and keep us safe by night and day. Amen. (a kids' prayer)
Rub-a-dub-dub. Bless this grub. (definitely not recommended; but if you say it when you're alone, it might make you laugh and help to dispel your nervousness?)
2006-08-19 18:32:44 · answer #9 · answered by amy02 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you are the type of person whose prayers are between you and God. I don't see anything wrong with that. I used to get the feeling when people were called on to pray they are competing to see who can sound the best. I don't like it, myself.
2006-08-19 18:40:15 · answer #10 · answered by Ms. G. 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋