I skipped it when we were going around praying for people. It was during our on campus ministry meeting. When I was listening to everyone else I realized that I don't pray like they do. They are all formla about it and everything. I was also raised with the idea that praying is a personal thing and I find it very difficult to pray outloud with others around. I felt so bad afterwards because I think I hurt some peoples feelings. I just don't know what to do when we have our next meeting tomorrow and do the same thing. Should I just keep skipping myself or what should I do?
2007-10-30 14:53:28 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I had a best friend that was that way & we would just wait a minute & see if she's gonna pray & then the next one would just go on to the next one automatically. She didnt have to say nothing. we just did it.
Maybe if you tell the one next to you or who ever is next, to go ahead or tell the one in charge, if they need to be told. We just politely went on ahead when she didnt start praying.
& about being "formality' God wants us to talk to him as he was just sitting right there with us. For actually he is. It's personal thing. I've had more "sweet time" when in my "prayer closet'' *( which is where ever i pray , whether in front of th e sofa or by the bed) than when i was w/others, it does say that when 2 or more meet, but you're praying along w/them , So you're doing right by being there & praying w/them.
God Bless & would you say a prayer for me? I & my husband are having some health problems. & some of my kinfolks are unbellievers.
thank you.
2007-10-30 15:05:45 · answer #1 · answered by AnnaMaria 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) Don't feel bad.
2) Discuss it with the people you think have hurt feelings, not the whole group. I'm sure they will understand if you tell them what you said here. I say not to mention in front of the whole group only so it isn't made into a bigger issue than what it really is.
3) Not everyone is comfortable praying as part of a group. I know someone who is the same way. He tries to have their son say prayers at family gatherings etc because he doesn't want their son to grow up feeling the same way he does.
4) Often times, I have heard people begin a time of prayer with "I will begin, and the rest of you can pray for the things mentioned here *** as you feel led ***" This leaves the door open for both those who feel led to pray, as well as those who don't.
5) If you don't feel comfortable, it's not a huge deal. There are many others, including myself sometimes, who don't. It is a conversation between you and God, which is what really matters.
2007-10-30 15:08:53 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I too have worked on a Christian Outreach Ministry on campus. The way to minimize the stress is tell them that you are not accostumed to praying out loud. Tell them, you will attend but do not expect you to pray like everyone else.
What will happen is that all or some will understand because some of them were the same way. It is really not how you pray it is that you pray. If you NEVER feel comfortable doing it, don't do it. It is far better to be you than to start doing what others expect of you. The Church is full of those kind of folk.
If some of the prayer partners are too religious and give you a hard time, stop going. They are not the only Christains in town, and you do not want to buy friends. Some folk are too religious for their own good. They cannot understand who or why others do not behave like them. Do not fight or argue; simple find another mode of fellowship. God has called you to peace of mind, not a piece of mind.
2007-10-30 15:05:29 · answer #3 · answered by Richard S 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that at the meeting tomorrow you should tell everyone that you don't pray the same way, and either ask if you can do a silent prayer or just say what you want to pray for out loud. I think the idea of praying is supposed to be the thought that counts. If the people in your group don't understand that then you aren't in the right prayer group. I agree with you that praying is a personal thing. I also think religion is a personal thing. I think that people who are too vocal in their religion are that way for attention. Do what you feel is in your heart. That's what really counts.
2007-10-30 14:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sunset, there are many people who feel uncomfortable praying aloud, as praying is a very personal act! I agree with this 100%. Now, there may come a time when God gives you the inclination, the strength and the WORDS to pray. If or, when this time comes, I believe you would be faithful and step out, on faith and pray! However, everything happens in HIS perfect timing when we are following Him!
Hun, I would pray and ask God to give you the strength to tell your prayer circle just what you have told us! Just to have you, in agreement, in prayer is a powerful thing! They know this! There is strength in numbers when prayers are being prayed. I do believe that you are and will be an asset...just share your hearts thoughts on this!
I will be praying that God will go before you and that your circle of prayer friends, will respect your way of praying, personally, to the Father!
God Bless You and know that I will keep you lifted in prayer!
Gail
2007-10-30 15:31:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't skip.
Praying comes from the heart and when we pray, I enjoy the more straight from the heart and on the spot type because thats when the true feelings come out.
Its less rehearsed.
I never pray in order either.
I can just start talking, while other people say 'Dear Heavenly Father'.
Prayer is a conversation between you and God. It shouldn't be a script where if you mess up, then the whole thing is messed up.
Let your thoughts flow, its just talking.
2007-10-30 15:01:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No need to feel bad. I believe in God and pray my own way the same as you. The same thing would have happened to me if I was there with you that day because I don't know them like they do either. Even though it might be embarrassing to you God has no problem with it. A prayer is a prayer to God. Now lead us in a prayer Sunsets 5 because I don't know how..
2007-10-30 15:08:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember years ago when I had a hard time praying in front of others. When it came my turn to pray, I simply prayed the prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, and asked Jesus to answer all the other prayers according to His will. I will be praying for you, and God bless you!!!
2007-10-30 15:49:47 · answer #8 · answered by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Canned" prayers are not your prayers, but someone else's. If we pray from the heart and the understanding, we won't pray canned prayers but what is on our heart at the time.
I am sorry that you don't like to pray around someone else, because God wants our prayers everywhere and all the time. To pray silently is not at all wrong. Just make sure that you are not afraid for them to hear you pray and go on about your business of doing your prayer in your own heart and your own words.
2007-10-30 15:03:13 · answer #9 · answered by mesquiteskeetr 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unless you feel God is calling you to pray out loud you shouldn't feel guilty about skipping yourself. You will need let the spirt guide you. Prayer should be guided by God not what you think other people are expecting of you. I doubt you prayer circle will mind if you don't pray aloud. You could even ask some of them if you still feel awkward about not praying aloud during the meeting. I'm sure they will give you encouragement to follow how God leads you.
2007-10-30 15:00:14 · answer #10 · answered by Griffter 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋