how do you pray?

Question

do you pray spontaneously or you are talking to God like the way you would talk to a friend or through formula prayers and certain rituals? if you have a creative, uncommon way of praying or talking to God i also would like to know.

i'm actually just curious.

Answer 1

To Pray people use many methods some traditional and some not so traditional.

I personally prefer to pray using a combination of both. Everyday morning after my bath I light a lamp in front of my favorite diety and pray to him using traditional hymns and vedic texts. After that throught the day as and when I feel like I talk to him in my mind and then before sleeping I talk to him about my day at work and other things I an concerned about or am happy about. So I guess its a combination of both some easy rituals adn informal talk with God as with a friend. And believe me HE listens.....Always.

Answer 2

I don't think spontaneous prayer and "formula prayers" are an either-or choice. There's the Lord's Prayer, of course - the basic model Christian prayer, which could be called a formula. I often pray spontaneously - as if talking silently, or making requests, or sometimes just being in awe, and I also participate in various standard prayers during church and use prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Sometimes "formula" prayers help to find a way to say what we need to express - the key is to be mindful of what you're saying, not let it become a meaningless formula.

Answer 3

"do you pray spontaneously or you are talking to God like the way you would talk to a friend or through formula prayers and certain rituals? "

Both. Some formula prayers and rituals are very beautiful and meaningful, even if originated from someone else.

Answer 4

I pray 3 ways like you described.

1 - I pray a certain way for a certain number at predetermined times of the day. Also using beads to pray after these prayers.

2 - I make spontaneous prayers during No. 1. These are not formulated, but spontaneous.

3 - I pray at many times during the day in between the prayers of No. 1, kind of like talking to a friend.

I like to remember Allah throughout the day, not because Allah needs this, but because I need to remember Allah is in control of all areas of life.

Answer 5

The Bible describes prayer as coming straight from the heart. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for praying loudly for the world to hear, showing off how "spiritual" they were. Also, He rebukes repetition; if we just say the same prayer over and over, it just becomes robotic and doesn't mean anything, not to us or to God. There is no specific way to pray; come to God with a humble heart, and tell Him everything on your heart. Talk to Him as you would a friend, for He's your very dearest.
You don't have to be in a church or on your knees to pray, either. It doesn't have to be a long, eloquent speech. We're told to pray continuously, and although I don't believe that means we have to be CONSTANTLY praying and ignoring life around us, I do believe it means that we are encouraged to pray throughout the day. If you see something that really touches you, say a silent prayer of thanks to God for showing it to you. If you ever get frustrated, just call for His help.
Prayer is a very personal thing. Talk to God from the bottom of your heart, and He'll listen and respond.

Answer 6

In the morning I pray affirming the words of God for the people and fellowships I pray for. The rest of the day I pray in the Spirit trusting that the Holy Spirit will help me for for all things (Romans 8:26-28, Ephesians 6:18). When I receive any known word from the Spirit I pray out the word.

Answer 7

Some times spontaneously... like coming upon an accident. I pray for the normal things, too.. I don't do rituals, but sometimes recite the Lord's Prayer.

Answer 8

I pray spontaneoursly, meditatively, reflectively, through a song and I even pray the memorized prayers especially the Our Father. Prayer is a communication with God.

Answer 9

I pray at different times throughout the day, but the most in depth prayers are in my "prayer closet" in the evening. It's like talking to your oldest and dearest Friend.
When I first got saved a was a mom with 3 young kids, my only quiet, alone time was in the shower, so it is still my best "prayer closet".

Answer 10

I formally pray at least two times a day. But it is find to spontaneously pray to God as needed throughout the day.

All scripture is of use as to how to pray, but particularly the Lord's Prayer was given as an *example* by Jesus to this exact question. I say an example because Jesus said "After this manner", thus we need not say the exact words, but to follow the general principles.

Read Matthew 6:9-13
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The FIRST petition (verse 9) we learn that we are to approach God as our heavenly father, ready and willing to hear us. We also come with reverence for God words, works and attributes.
The SECOND petition (verse 10) we pray for the advancement of Christ Kingdom here on earth, and acknowledge of God's sovereign hand.
The THIRD petition (verse 11) was give thanks for His daily mercies.
The FOURTH petition (verse 12) we pray for forgiveness and remind ourselves of our duty to pray for and forgive others.
The FIFTH petition (verse 13) was ask that God would keep us from being tempted by our flesh, the world and the devil.
The SIX petition (verse 13) we ascribe power and glory to God alone.
And lastly we say "Amen" because of our sincerity of our words and because of our assurance to be heard.