I have a Bible for teens, and there are questions in the front on each thing about different things God says to do and not to do. And it gives you where it says in in the Bible. But it doesn't answer the question in "Christian-but-can't-understand-what-the-in-the-world-the-Bible-says" speak. So, here's my question:
What CAN we pray for? And what are we supposed to thank God for?
So, basically, how are you supposed to pray? I pary every night. But I'm afraid I'm not doing it right.
2007-07-28 04:45:15 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Also, I'm confused on this. You see. I love God. And I live for him. But I don't always follow the Bible to a T. And I don't go to church. I feel like a real fake. Is this okay? Can I still call myself Christian, as long as I believe God exists and that he sent Jesus to save us from Sin?
2007-07-28 04:47:57 · update #1
God is the most understanding person you'll ever talk to. God knows you inside and out and can understand you better than you can understand yourself.
Praying in any way whatsoever, as long as you're doing it with a genuine heart, is heard by God. There is no more or less proper way to do it... Speaking to God should not be intimidating or confusing, because God always hears you no matter what you feel...
Share your feelings with God. Tell God what your hopes and dreams are.
Nothing is off limits. In the Bible, people prayed all sorts of prayers... When people were angry, they prayed that God smite their enemies! Now, while I don't expect God to answer a prayer like this, it goes to show that we can express ourselves to the almighty.
We don't have to hold back anything. We can be ourselves before God.
There is a place for reverence, but my relationship with God has taught me that God is more interested in our deepest selves than our hidden selves-- thus, the reason Adam and Eve sinned by holding their full selves back from God and becoming clothed.
Furthermore, from what you have told me, you ARE a Christian. period. God cares about what is in your heart. God forgives.
2007-07-28 04:52:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
What can you pray for?
Answer:
Romans chapter 8 verse 26-27 it reads;
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
James chapter 5 verse 16 reads;
16 Confess your faults one to another and PRAY one for the other that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Some other guidelines for what you can pray for or about are;
Loved ones
Preservation from evil
Deliverance from dangers
Material blessings
As for giving Thanks.....
The bible teaches us in Ephesians chapter 5 verse 20.
It reads;
20 Giving THANKS always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Also
Colossians chapter 1 verse 12 reads:
Giving THANKS unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
and finally
Colossians chapter 3 verse 17 and it reads:
17 And whatsoever ye do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God and the Father by him.
I hope this answers your question....have a blessed day!
2007-07-28 12:28:55 · answer #2 · answered by Pamster 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is a "right" way to pray other than to follow the "our father" guidelines and to talk to God.
Our father:
Call Him holy - praise Him
Call His kingdom to be part of your life - in other words - you want what He wants - His will in your life to be done
The word says anything that is unleashed here on earth will be unleashed in heaven...so Our goal is to pray for His will to be done whatever the circumstance
Thank Him for providing for you (give us this day....) and that means EVERYTHING - not just food and clothing.
Forgive EVERYONE - so that He can forgive you... after all, if you can't forgive, then how do you expect to be forgiven.
Ask Him to bless you that you won't be led astray
praise Him in all things....
other than that - just talk to Him. He wants a relationship with you and relationships take work. So work at it.
along with your teen study bible, you might want to get a teen daily devotional. They can often help you to understand scripture by applying it to your regular daily life and experiences. And don't beat yourself up over not understanding. Discernment takes time. Your relationship takes time. Ask the Lord to show you what your gifts are - ask Him to give you the gift of understanding. It might take a long time, but it's worth it. The point is to never give up.
blessings :D
2007-07-28 11:55:03 · answer #3 · answered by Ramjet 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I felt exactly in your situation a year ago. I dont go to church either.
Most nights I simply just, you might think this is kinda weird, but I talk to Him, and tell Him about my day. You dont have to talk out loud or anything. I just whisper it, or mouth, or think it..
Then I ask to forgive any sins I may have commited during the day, and in the past.
I say thankyou (about the stuff im thankful for)
Then I ask him to keep , my family, my friends, and me safe through the night.
Dont feel like a fake. God would be proud that your praying. Im not very religious and I dont go to church either.
2007-07-28 11:58:28 · answer #4 · answered by Jenny 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Going by what you've said above, you're doing ok. What did Yahshua say was the greatest commandment: 'Love YHWH with your heart, mind, soul and strength'. If you are doing that, you will do well.
As for what to pray, Yahshua taught that as well:
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Pray also for wisdom, and not riches. And thank Him for ALL things: the good and the bad, because He created it all.
2007-07-28 11:53:12 · answer #5 · answered by witnessnbr1 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sister, pray for the kingdom to come, that is what you should do above everything else, pray for the kingdom to manifest within - the inner kingdom as Yeshua/Jesus spoke of in Luke 17:21.
Paul said to pray without ceasing, what does this mean to you? This is being in a condition of purity by consecrating yourself through actively representing that desire in all that you do, so that you manifest the kingdom within yourself.
2007-07-28 12:00:23 · answer #6 · answered by Automaton 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
takeapeekatme...1st off....many of us do not go to or belong to a church...yet we are blessed anyway... anytime you are with 2 or more believers, that is "church" or "fellowship". :)
The Bible says to seek and ask God about EVERYTHING and ANYTHING...repent, forgive, praise, pray for others, pray for yourself, ask for forgiveness, pray praise and pray and praise some more and give thanks for all things. :)
There is no wrong way actually as to HOW...in fact, talking to God...like you just did in your question to us...IS a "prayer" if you add "In Jesus Name, Thankyou. Amen" to it, and change the word/name "God" to "you".
See what I mean?
LOL sometimes I hear or see something and just say out loud "Lord"? and He answers by showing me what I needed to know. :) When we are in tune to His Holy Spirit, that's about all it takes :)
LOL I grew up asking God questions and pray/talk to Him since I was about 4 years old...had no-one to teach me, but, figured God was my Father, so, treated Him the way I would have liked to do to my own dad if he was around...
God knows our thoughts and heart, but, but vocally TALKING them to Him we are showing Him our WILL and LOVE and TRUST in Him by doing so.
Now then, "what" to pray for? lol suggest we think of better things then winning the lottery, lol...but...everything else, including the lottery actually, is ok to speak to Him about...
Ask for understandin, wisdom, discernment, and knowledge... ask for love to be placed within your heart for Him, Jesus, Holy Spirit, yourself, family, friends, and those whom hurt you... ESPECIALLY for those whom don't know God...
Thank God before you say "Amen" thanking Him for an answer even before we get one is a sign of FAITH. :)
Trust me on this... the only prayer Jesus shared was the Lord's prayer, which is something we may pray at least once a day before we pray on other matters. ...but is a prayer that we may take literally in all things all through our day. :)
God Bless....there's no such thing as a "stupid" question.. :)
*** lol...praying for deliverance from delusion IS something we can pray for Bonzo... suggest you try it? Peace be with you :)
2007-07-28 12:18:17 · answer #7 · answered by ForeverSet 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He hears you as easily as I just did. You can just find a comfortable setting and position and believe that he is there to hear you just as you cannot see the wind but feel it. It is more simple than churches make it seem to be. He loves you more than your favorite people love you. Why would he want you to spend eternity in Hell? Churches don't make sense of God's love or his sacrifice. You can by simply asking him in your mind and truly waiting to understand. It will happen and you will feel no need to doubt that God is personally interested in you.
2007-07-28 11:53:15 · answer #8 · answered by midnite rainbow 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is no wrong way to pray. Just talk to God like you would talk to anyone else. He is there for you no matter what.
I start my daily prayers with the Lord's prayer and then...
I thank Him for always being there for me, and pray for those who don't have a personal relationship with Him.
I thank Him for for my friends and family and pray for those who are lonely.
I thank Him for my health and access to medical help and pray for those who are ill or can't afford medical help.
I thank Him for the food I have to eat and pray for the hungry.
I thank Him for my home and pray for the homeless.
I thank Him for my freedom and pray for those who are oppressed and those who are fighting to keep my freedom.
2007-07-28 11:55:09 · answer #9 · answered by Suzy 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Praying is just , thanking God for all that has done for you. When Jesus complete the covenant w/ God for us. Healing ,blessings and all the things in heaven are ours on earth.
GOD BLESS
2007-07-28 11:54:49 · answer #10 · answered by TCC Revolution 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋