How do I pray? Is there a right or wrong way? Sometimes when I pray I feel like I am being too informal to God and that he shuns me for not taking the traditional procedures of kneeling, putting my hands together, closing my eyes, things like that. Please tell me your opinion.
2007-07-20 11:54:42 · 16 answers · asked by The Bohemian 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Does He hear me when I only pray in my head? or do I have to say them aloud or at a whisper?
2007-07-20 12:18:28 · update #1
Thank you all for all the awesome answers!
2007-07-20 12:36:08 · update #2
No, there is no right way. I think of course we need to be respectful, but I don't believe God notices "how" you come to Him in prayer. I pray everywhere, in the car, at work, all during the day. It's not always with my eyes closed, on my knees, with clasped hands. I think God cares mostly about the conditions of our heart; are we truly seeking Him when we come to Him? Like that.
2007-07-20 12:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by Esther 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There are times when prayer should be done on your knees, head bowed and eyes closed, but not all the time. I keep a running dialogue with God going all the time. Sometimes prayers are very informal, like when you pass an accident and say a quick prayer for those involved. Some days I get in the car and just say "God guide my path and keep me safe. Amen" The important thing is to pray. God will not judge you for being informal, he wants you to talk to him, and he knows your heart.
2007-07-20 12:00:37 · answer #2 · answered by jimmattcait 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Prayer is the act of attempting to communicating, commonly with a sequence of words, to a deity or spirit for the purpose of worshiping, requesting guidance, confessing sins, or to express one's thoughts and emotions. The words of the prayer may take the form of a hymn, incantation, or a spontaneous utterance in the praying person's words.
Jesus said you could pray how you want. Some people pray out loud in their cars, some people only before bedtime. As long as you are talking to God you are doing it right. He said that praying in the streets is the same as praying in your closet.
Check out this site on prayer. It may make you feel a bit better.
2007-07-20 12:02:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
There's not a special way of praying. God just wants to have a intimate relationship with us. When I first got baptized I did not know how to pray but as you grow in the Lord the Holy Spirit will lead you into prayer. There are times however when the Holy Spirit will bring you to pray on your knees and this is just to show reverence to the Lord. I hope this helps..
2007-07-20 12:25:39 · answer #4 · answered by talk2me 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Pray all the time. Sometimes it's OK to be informal. Pray while driving. (Not with your eyes closed!) Use language you're used to. (Not thou and art) He understands. The point is to pray and make God a part of every part of your life. But sometimes you need to get alone, kneel, and focus just on God and your prayer. It's all important and helpful.
2007-07-20 12:01:44 · answer #5 · answered by starfishltd 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You can pray however you want! but you also need to be respectful. God IS your Creator. remember to give him the respect he deserves! and also, God will never shun you! as long as you are a Christian, He will listen to you! He is your friend, and He loves you very much! to Him, it doesnt matter if you are sitting, standing, eyes open, eyes shut, talking out loud, or praying in your heart. hope this helps ya!
2007-07-20 12:06:29 · answer #6 · answered by ♥david_archuleta♥ 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I pray to the Lord with an open heart and from my heart. A prayer is the same as conversation with the Lord.
Traditional procedures...God wants you to talk to Him no matter where you or...eyes shut/open...that is no concern! Hearing from you is!
2007-07-20 12:39:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
God will never, NEVER shun anyone who is praying to Him! No one really knows how to pray "properly." That's why Jesus promised to help us. When we pray in His name, He stands beside us, helps us to pray, prays with us, and prays for us. Some people find it helpful to do those things you mentioned to get them into a prayerful state of mind, or to demonstrate reverence to God, but prayer is a matter of spiritual communication. What position your body is in is of little importance. I personally believe the best way to pray is sincerely, worshipfully, and often.
Blessings to you!
2007-07-20 12:19:02 · answer #8 · answered by Lyle the farm cat 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Naw, you don't have to do all that. As long as you don't go out in public making it known to people that you are praying, then you'll be fine.
2007-07-20 11:59:34 · answer #9 · answered by Raven's Shadow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is how Jesus taught us to pray:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
This is a perfect prayer that has everything in it. All of Christianity is in this prayer.
2007-07-20 12:09:18 · answer #10 · answered by Danny H 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋