If I don't fold my hands and bow my head, does it still count as prayer ...?

Question

... or can you just think it with that voice in your head, I mean like when aliens on Star Trek communicate telepathically?

is it rude just to think "Yo! God! Whaaat's Up?" or should you think, "er, um, Lord and Creator of everything including my humble self, pardon the interuption, but could you please make sure Notre Dame wins this Saturday?"

what about small talk? does God appreciate that?

I want my earthly ****-kissing to count, so don't want to waste my time doing this the wrong way.

Answer 1

Posture is not required for prayer but sometimes it helps our prayer life.

Yes, you can just think your prayer in your head, anytime, anywhere.

I think it would be wonderful to be able to just say, "Yo! God! Whaaat's Up?" I am a little more formal but God loves you just as you are. Talk to Him in whatever way is the most comfortable.

We are instructed to "Pray constantly." To be able to do this I think some small talk is necessary, but don't forget to pray for big things too, like world peace.

Remember God wants sincerity.

Prayer is the elevation of the mind and heart to God:
+ In praise of his glory
+ In petition for some desired good
+ In thanksgiving for a good received
+ In intercession for others before God

Through prayer the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church.

"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

"Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." (St. John Damascene)

But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or "out of the depths" of a humble and contrite heart? (Psalm 130:1)

He who humbles himself will be exalted; humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that "we do not know how to pray as we ought," are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. "Man is a beggar before God."

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I appreciate your dedication to the cause :)

My thoughts are that if you come to God in your own style, be it formal or informal, be yourself. God knows what you are about and who you are. If your style is to go with "YO G" or "Holy Father" then go with it.
Having said that, don't be disrespectful in your approach. Be honest and true to yourself. Believe in Him and mean what you say. Hey He has got my team through some tough spots too :)

God gets your message if you give it to him, head bowed or walking down the street, sitting in a car at lights. Prayer is used all throughout the day in many situations, not just at night or in the morning.

Pray before walking into a meeting or during an exam.

If Star Trek Telepathy was the only answer, the Enterprise would have been an interesting place to hang out

Answer 3

Sure - God listens to all our prayers. Thing is, sometimes they may feel like they don't get past the ceiling. Prayer is of most worth when we make a two-way connection, and are in tune with what God is trying to tell us.
For prayer to make any difference in your life (and your eternal prospects), it's got to be sincere and from the heart. Selfless helps, too. I'm sure God chuckles when you pray for your team to win - remember, folks are praying for the other team, too. It's better to pray that your team do a good job (or for help to play their best), and just enjoy the game - win or lose.
Small talk's good any time of day or night - if you regularly include God in what you're doing, you're opening yourself up to more inspiration.

Answer 4

I pray while I drive and even while in the shower, so many of my prayers are not accompanied by a bowed head and clasped hands. I still do those things at times when I feel like it. I may be crying. I may have my eyes closed and my face turned upward. I have never seen in the Bible that there is a requirement. I think we are taught to do those things in church so we won't be distracted.

Answer 5

Pray whatever way you want to. I'm not terribly religious, but at a service like a funeral, I do lower my head a bit, but I don't close my eyes or anything. I just wait for the random prayer to be over. If you believe in religion, you know that God listens to everyone but doesn't always answer. I've even screamed to God in times of emotional distress. If you believe in it, He has a plan for you. It may not make the Irishmen win, but if it makes you feel better, go for it in whatever way you want.

Answer 6

if its honest and worthwhile... legitimate..., the "format" doesn't matter.

like you can't call the cops for someone stealing things you can't legally have, prayers have to be legit.

and many consider the "formalitys" the gestures, and ritual, ect... to all be symbols of the honesty, a way of helping you be in the "proper" mindset.

if you want to look at it as a way of filtering what prayers are worth the hassle... well, lol, I've heard worse things.

I'd say many would be likely to feel that some of the most effectively and truly answered prayers were in a "OK THATS ENOUGH, IF YOUR UP THERE GIVE ME A HAND HERE!?!!?!" format.

Answer 7

I don't think it's necessary to bow your head, I think if God is there, he hears you no matter what. And I'm sure he wouldn't mind a little small talk...might be a nice change of pace. Pray respectfully....and don't pray for teams to win, or selfish prayers....pray for the well-being and guidance for others....guidance for yourself. Be honest and sincere. God knows the difference between sincerity and @ss-kissing. If that's what you're doing, maybe don't pray at all.

Answer 8

It doesnt matter. You could be driving or at a concert you could still pray. Theres no need to bow your head or fold your hands. That has been done only as a symbol of respect and its been handed down from generation. But dont worry God still listens to you no matter how you do it.

Answer 9

the traditions of man make God's word to no effect. no, you dont have to bow your head and put your hands together at all. i raise mine up or just leave them where they are at the time. you can do what you want.

you can talk in your head. its better to talk out loud coz the spoken words are powerful, the bible says so, but you can still talk/pray to God silently.

yes, you can say WHASSUUUUPPPP. God wants you to be you. to be REAL. He isnt after religious robots, He is after genuine fellowship with His creation, and if ur into slang, go for it. just remember He is your Lord and respect that by cutting out swearing coz thats just horrible... but yeh, God loves someone who is genuine with Him.

small talk is good. He wants you talking with Him as often as possible. and small talk is a way to practice.

Praying shouldnt be butt kissing. it should be a conversation with God out of a heart of love/praise towards Him. butt kissing will get you nowhere. its like being a sleeze to a woman. its desgusting and pittiful.

i realise your question was supposed to be mocking and funny, but i deliberatly chose not to respond in like-manner. i truly hope you just learned something that will help your walk with God :-)

Answer 10

Anytime you speak with God and ask his forgiveness honestly it is considered praying. I think personally more people should get off their knees and pray standing up and alone instead of in a church were everyone of their neighbors can see them. Maybe their prayers would be more honest.