I Want to Learn How to Pray

[preciouslove0x]

I read the Bible and understand God's Word. But for some reason I've always had trouble praying for and WITH others. I can never find the right words to show I how feel. Any tips? How did you begin praying? What was your first experience like when you openly (out loud) prayed with/for someone else?

 

[chelseatiara]

The first few times I prayed aloud with someone it was because I/They/We were going through serious issues and i felt emotion that couldnt be contained. I felt as though me saying it in my head wasnt enough, you know? I was shy and a little embarrassed because I couldnt articulate what I wanted to say very well but eventually me and two other close friends decided one day it would be a good day to pray especially since one of them was having the same problem as you. We got together in a quiet private roomate, closed our eyes and opened our mouths. We took turns thanking God for our blessings, telling him about our troubles, reciting scripture and asking for help and forgiveness. We ended with a beautiful happy worship session with music because as the bible says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matt. 18:20 NIV I still am a little nervous praying aloud but you have to realize that no one is going to make you feel bad about praying or correct you in how you express yourself to God. Ask Him to help you open your mind, heart, and spirit to loose your tongue so you can pray to Him in a way you feel is best

 

[mst1908]

According to my Pastor, praying is just sincere communication with God. You can pray anywhere! I pray in my car as I'm driving to and from work. Just simply tell God what's on your mind.

Before I leave my house everyday, I say a quick prayer and I ask God to releash my ministry angels to go before me & protect me on my journey. I also pray that no hurt harm, injury or death come near me or my family this day. I ask God to give divine favor every where I go and to keep me safe. When I get in my car, before I drive off I pray, the pray that I have have a safe journey and bind up all accidents and I ask God to protect me from the north, south, east, & west. (The bible says that we all have angels assigned to us but angels only respond to the Word of God.) So this means you have to speak the Word so your angels can go to work on your behalf.

I never leave home without putting on my "Spiritual Armour" its the most important!

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[Prudent1]

preciouslove0x,
Please accept this very brief synopsis on prayer. Feel free to ask for more clarification if I say something that doesn't resonate ok?
These are both wonderfull responses. You seem to have some pre-conceived notion(s) as to what prayer is or should be like? There is certainly nothing wrong with that. There are formal prayers but prayer is a conversation between you and God. Sometimes you may have requests for you, for others, concerning inanimate objects etc. Sometimes you may just need Him to provide a sympathetic ear. Sometimes you are in distress and need answers, help, and solutions ASAP. What we call The Lord's Prayer found in Matt 6:9-13 is an outline or model for all prayers regardless of why they are being prayed. Some prayers are lengthy. Some are not. Sometimes we pray outloud (and we should primarily b/c we have inherited the ability to speak things into existence like our heavenly Father did), some are silent (ie Lord help me not to slap so-and-so in the mouth ). Don't try to compare your prayers to someone else's. Your are unique and so will your prayers be. You need only make sure your prayers are scriptural. No God please kill 'x' or God I know you wnat me and 'x' husband to be together. IOW things God has said he is against you should be against. Those types of prayers are called praying amiss (James 4:2-3).
Basically acknowledge God for who he is [1]. Here is a much abbreviated list of some of His character traits- Sovereign, Everlasting, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, the Greatest, love, compassionate, understanding, forgiving, disciplinarian, etc. Make your request known [2], then end you prayer by acknowledging him and your request(s) the following way, "Lord I have talked to you about 'x' but I know you see the big picture. Therefore, I'm asking that your will be done 1st and foremost. If my will is not the same as your will change my will to match yours."[3] Then thank Him for hearing and responding to you.[4] Then you wait.[5] Sometimes answers come quickly. Sometimes they do not. Remember, what is time to an eternal God? Also know that answers may come in a variety of ways. They come through ppl, in the form of peace, songs, words you read, children, something you see in nature that has significance to you personally. God is very creative. He made you so he knows how to speak your language. Expect to hear from him and expect to have your faith attacked while you wait. Hope this helps.
Here is a link to a wonderful online prayer book. It may help you as you grow.
http://www.christianword.org/php/default.php?page_id=dp
I've said all of this to say this... as you seek God and get to know his character, he changes you from the inside out. You will become like him a little more each time. Talk to him just as you would any good friend. If you say or do something "wrong" he will lovingly correct you. You will become more sensitive to what he likes and does not like(John 10:27). Later when you are ready and at the appointed time, there is a way to pray perfect prayers(Rom 8:26-27). His spirit will help you. But that's enough for now...

A bit on effectual prayer-http://www.heraldmag.org/literature/pray_3.htm

Don't forget to thank him when you get your answers! Don't be like the lepers!

 

[preciouslove0x]

THANK YOU ALL SOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!





God Bless.

 

[Guitarhero]

The most perfect prayer is the Our Father, which Jesus taught us to say. It reminds us that we are a community and that He is our Father, not just individually. We bless His Name as H-ly and we affirm that He is in control and that His will is our goal. We ask Him to take care of everything from day to day that we need. We ask to be forgiven first then we obligate ourselves to forgive others in line with His will. We ask to be protected from temptation and evil. Sounds complicated, but it's not. Say the Our Father (or the L-rd's Prayer) slowly and focus upon the words. It's ok to say a "rote" prayer because He gave them to us and you can use it as a template in your prayer development. It's perfect. Soon, you will be able to add to those prayers and talk to Him ad lib and just as importantly, learn to listen.

Our Father who art in Heaven
Halloweth 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 the evil one
For the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory are Yours, now and forever, amen.

 

[Nonie]

preciouslove0x, your thread reminded me of juju's thread. Maybe some of the advice in her thread can help: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=376209

 

[Sharpened]

I just ask Him for the words so I can give Him glory as I do it.

 

[I-sing]

i know that i am late in this but . please do not repeat a written prayer it is not from the heart and has no meaning to our Creator if it isnt felt within you. He wants sincere heartfelt wxpression.
also ask Him to help you know how and what to pray. we all have suggestions but the One to whom you want to speak has the only answer for you. If you do read the Bible then perhaps yo saw this verse at Matthew 6:7 or Isaiah 42:8 and Matthew 4:10 I hope these are helpful, feel free to contact me if you don't see why i choose those verses. enjoy.

 

[mieshashair]

I read the Bible and understand God's Word. But for some reason I've always had trouble praying for and WITH others. I can never find the right words to show I how feel. Any tips? How did you begin praying? What was your first experience like when you openly (out loud) prayed with/for someone else?

Always remember to ask all things in Jesus name


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[Kinkyhairlady]

I read the Bible and understand God's Word. But for some reason I've always had trouble praying for and WITH others. I can never find the right words to show I how feel. Any tips? How did you begin praying? What was your first experience like when you openly (out loud) prayed with/for someone else?

preciouslove0x

I can pray alone but when it comes to praying in public I get nervous because I don't think I articulate very well, I just get lost for words. Being picked on to pray in Sunday school is a fear if mine. I was taught how to pray as a kid though and you may want to follow this...

First say Heavenly father and thank him for your day, for protecting you and your family. Thank him for providing for you a roof over your head and food to eat. Thank him for whatever you want.

Second ask for forgiveness for all your Sins during the day and for him to help you to avoid repeating the same sins. Confess your weaknesses and where you need help.

Third pray for others, the sick and needy.

Fourth pray for your hearts desires, anything that you have been working on. Any trials and tribulations you have been going through. Pray for protection from evil.

Fifth say thank you again and ask God to continue to manifest in your life.

Last step you say in Jesus name I pray Amen! I always say the our father after my prayers so you can do that as well!

 

[Mis007]

I read the Bible and understand God's Word. But for some reason I've always had trouble praying for and WITH others. I can never find the right words to show I how feel. Any tips? How did you begin praying? What was your first experience like when you openly (out loud) prayed with/for someone else?

I tend to memorise scriptures pertaining to how I am feeling and what I need help with at the time I then incorporate said scriptures within my prayer it makes it feel as if I am talking to God. I always upon awaking say the lords prayer and Psalm 91 but there are so many you can use.