Right way to pray?

[Big Steve]

Is there a proper way to pray? Does it have to be formal every time?

Here's the reason I thought of this. I had a really good workout at the gym today. This is significant to me because right now I have a torn tendon in my shoulder and it is usually painful every day. I injured at last December, but just worked around it evr since. I have seen a surgeon in the last week, and he gave me a cortisone shot which he thinks may help in the healing process and I might not need surgery after all.

Well anyway, today was the first painfree workout I have had in months. I know the cortisone shot has alot to do with it, but afterwards I felt compelled to thank Jesus for the good workout and taking away the pain. I was busy and on the run getting ready to eat, so I just stopped where I stood and thanked him, and that was that.

It just almost didn't seem like it was "special" enough, if you know what I mean, and I wondered if it's ok to be so brief when giving thanks for something.

I know you all are probably rolling your eyes at me right now with me and my newbie question, but I was just wondering.

Edited September 1, 2004 by Big Steve

[Guest Strservant]

Big Steve,

God hears every prayer uttered by one of His children. If it is important enough to you to pray it then it will be important enough for Him to hear it. There are many times that I will stop what I am doing and just utter a one or two line prayer. Paul says to pray without ceasing and I believe this means to be in an attitude that allows you to pray whenever the Spirit leads you to do so. As you grow in the Lord those one and two line prayers will become a big part of your day. Praise God again that you have accepted Hi as Saviour.

Strservant

[keslc]

Hi there and welcome! No question is too silly! When talking about praying to God we must remember that He is after all God so we must show Him the proper respect and reverence. However, the Bible says to pray without ceasing. It's not too practical to live our daily lives with our eyes closed and hands folded 24/7, so that is not what is meant. But to talk with God in our everyday lives about everything (either out loud if we want or in our thoughts). When you think of your sick friend quick ask the Lord to be with them. When you had your workout without pain, as you clean up just tell Him "thanks!" Then when you have your daily quiet time or Bible study, close your eyes and focus on Him and tell Him again how grateful you were to have a painfree workout and there you can spend more intimate in depth time with Him. He knows our every thought, so make sure it is something you'd want Him to hear! God bless!

FYI, I am in no way an "expert" or scholar, just sharing my thoughts on the topic with you. I'm sure someone else (or maybe several others! lol!) will be able to share more insight!

[Guest Strservant]

Hi there and welcome! No question is too silly! When talking about praying to God we must remember that He is after all God so we must show Him the proper respect and reverence. However, the Bible says to pray without ceasing. It's not too practical to live our daily lives with our eyes closed and hands folded 24/7, so that is not what is meant. But to talk with God in our everyday lives about everything (either out loud if we want or in our thoughts). When you think of your sick friend quick ask the Lord to be with them. When you had your workout without pain, as you clean up just tell Him "thanks!" Then when you have your daily quiet time or Bible study, close your eyes and focus on Him and tell Him again how grateful you were to have a painfree workout and there you can spend more intimate in depth time with Him. He knows our every thought, so make sure it is something you'd want Him to hear! God bless!

FYI, I am in no way an "expert" or scholar, just sharing my thoughts on the topic with you. I'm sure someone else (or maybe several others! lol!) will be able to share more insight!

keslc,

You may not be an expert but I thought your post was right on.

Strservant

[Guest Called]

Hi there and welcome! No question is too silly! When talking about praying to God we must remember that He is after all God so we must show Him the proper respect and reverence. However, the Bible says to pray without ceasing. It's not too practical to live our daily lives with our eyes closed and hands folded 24/7, so that is not what is meant. But to talk with God in our everyday lives about everything (either out loud if we want or in our thoughts). When you think of your sick friend quick ask the Lord to be with them. When you had your workout without pain, as you clean up just tell Him "thanks!" Then when you have your daily quiet time or Bible study, close your eyes and focus on Him and tell Him again how grateful you were to have a painfree workout and there you can spend more intimate in depth time with Him. He knows our every thought, so make sure it is something you'd want Him to hear! God bless!

FYI, I am in no way an "expert" or scholar, just sharing my thoughts on the topic with you. I'm sure someone else (or maybe several others! lol!) will be able to share more insight!

You said exactly what I was going to say.

[Big Steve]

Thanks for the input. Just didn't want to seem dis-respectful when I was giving thanks. :il:

[Orr v'emet]

Hi there and welcome! No question is too silly!    When talking about praying to God we must remember that He is after all God so we must show Him the proper respect and reverence. However, the Bible says to pray without ceasing. It's not too practical to live our daily lives with our eyes closed and hands folded 24/7, so that is not what is meant. But to talk with God in our everyday lives about everything (either out loud if we want or in our thoughts). When you think of your sick friend quick ask the Lord to be with them. When you had your workout without pain, as you clean up just tell Him "thanks!" Then when you have your daily quiet time or Bible study, close your eyes and focus on Him and tell Him again how grateful you were to have a painfree workout and there you can spend more intimate in depth time with Him. He knows our every thought, so make sure it is something you'd want Him to hear! God bless!

FYI, I am in no way an "expert" or scholar, just sharing my thoughts on the topic with you. I'm sure someone else (or maybe several others! lol!) will be able to share more insight!

Those were my thoughts too. Also be sure to take time to listen as well! BTW, Steve, it matters not to us how many questions you post. We are all thrilled with your decision and would be glad to help you in anyway we can.

Let me just add a side-note. My sisters and Bob and I have talked about this and until about three weeks ago I prayed in my head. My sister thought this weird (I had no idea) but when I started to pray outloud it really opened up my prayer life. Something to consider as well.

[rejoicevermore]

There are a lot of good prayers in the bible. I pray, that you, Steve, make Jesus Christ your best friend. Ask Him to teach you how to pray. I pray that He will redeem your life, your time and restore that the locust have eaten in your family. That he will remove any hindrance that will keep you serving him, that he will lead you to all truth and set you free from your enemy. That he will bring salvation into your family. Let the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon you, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Blessings to you.

Edited September 1, 2004 by rejoicevermore

[ServingHim]

Is there a proper way to pray? Does it have to be formal every time?

I once read in a little 'devotional' book that when we cease to love, we cease to pray...therefore, if we love always, we pray without ceasing, which is what we're exhorted to do. (Luke 18:1; 1 Thess 5:17). :il:

[Matthitjah]

Steve,

True prayer comes thru your heart. It is where the Spirit of God now resides.

Lu

Edited September 1, 2004 by Dr. Luke