How should we pray ???

[Christian]

I pray with eyes closed, head down during my deepest daily prayer.

If moved by the Spirit I will go to my knees.

All other waking prayer is done with eyes open (except grace ) usually, unless special circumstances arise

I have often wondered where our prayer models were derived from. Many have expounded on the "model" of the Our Father/Lord's prayer, and that it is a "guideline" for our prayer. Nowhere in the Bible does it give us specific, prayers, instructions/models for prayer and so I have always felt uneasy with man's interpretations of what they should be. In the end this always leaves me feeling inadequate in mine.

The opposite extremes always seem to be the "standard" which confuse me, and have done nothing to help me. It's either the relaxed "Just talk to Daddy" logic, or rigidly follow the A.C.T.S. model (adoration,confession,thanksgiving,supplication) which leaves me feeling like I am following a list and spewing out "vain repititions".

Any guidance or suggestions?

[Yahsway]

Hi Christian,

when I think of how to pray I read the psalms of David. His prayers were sometimes songs to God, cries to God, Praises to God, adoartion to God. My only suggestion is to be yourself when talking to God. He knows your heart.

[Guest man]

I start 99% of my prayers with the Lords prayer. (Matt. 6:9-13) Most of my prayers are in private, although I've prayed while driving, walking down the street, and even at my job. To me, prayers are a private matter between me and God. When I pray in public I never do it openly. Why? I guess that's just the way I am.

[Leonard]

Hmmm. Like many, when you read Jesus warning about 'vain repetition' you put the emphasis on the word 'repetition.' I, on the other hand, put the emphasis on 'vain'. The word means 'empty' or in Old Scots: "Do-less".

My oft-quoted poem (I don't know who wrote it)

THE PROTOCOLS OF PRAYER

"The proper way for a man to pray," said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,

"And the only proper attitude, is down upon the knees."

"Now I would say that a man should pray," said the eminent Dr. Weise,

"Standing tall, with arms outstretched, and wrap't and upturn'd eyes."

"Oh no, no, no!" said Elder Sloe, "Such posture is too proud!"

"A man should pray with eyes fast-shut, and head contritely bowed."

"Well it seems to me, the hands should be auterely clasped in front;

with both thumbs pointing toward the groud," said Rev. Dr. Blunt.

"Well, las' year 'Oi fell in 'Odgekin's well," said the Janitor, Silas Brown,

"Wi' bof me 'eels a-stickin' up, and me 'ead a-pintin' down!"

"An' 'Oi made a prayer, roight then and there:

The best prayer 'Oi ever said!

The prayin'est prayer 'Oi ever prayed; a-standin' on me 'ead!"

[The Servant]

Fold your hands, close your eyes, kneel down and bow your head. Sometimes...