When we pray...

[Droobie]

How do you pray?  Do you feel that you're good at praying?  Does it come easy to you?  What should we be praying for?

John 14:14 (NIV) You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

[jayebrownlee]

Prayer is heavy on my heart, in the charity I work for I would never allow any event tio take place unless it were covered in prayer. However, when it comes to personal prayer I am hopeless, I forget to do it and I have to work hard to not let my mind wander while I am praying.

I sometimes find if I write my prayers down that that helps and if I pray with some one that helps too, but I really struggle and you need to have private pryaer time (as it says in the Bible, I forget where), so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Love in Him

Jay

[nbkan67]

I have problems in this area too - I have no problem asking God to help someone else, but find it hard to "bother him" with my petty problems with so much else wrong in this world.

[Stormy]

When I pray it is usually prayers of thanks or request for guidance.

So it surprised me that I chose the demand option on the vote.

The other choices seemed to wishy-washy.

When I need God to intervene in a crisis... I do seem to call upon him in a firm way with the knowledge that he will respond quickly.

I know many of you will tell me that this is wrong.

But so far God has not let me down.

So if He minds... He isn't showing it. :)

[joyjoy]

We just covered this in a bible study. .....

Our pastor explained to us that we shouldn't just pray once and think its covered. We're to pray without ceasing.

Permission to "Nag" God!

[ciccia]

Do we have to pray whith out ceasing on one subject?

I hope not because I never do.

[OntheRock]

In a way, I demand. Sometimes I even find myself saying, "Lord, I command your blessings to come forth." Pretty strong words, but I've found from personal experience that He is quick to answer.

This is the way I see. God has given us authority, He has put the responsibility on us. We are his spokes persons. If we are close to God and can understand the way He works and His will, then we should be able to demand Him to act. I don't think of it as demanding though, I think of it as commanding, because I have His authority in Jesus name. Think about it, "whatsoever you shall ask in my name."

We have an inumerable amount of Angels encamped around us. Why are they their? They are their as ministering spirits and to carry out the orders of the Lord, but they are around us, and when we pray, they act for God on our behalf. We can say, "God, if it's your will touch this man." or we can say, "God, touch this man."

If we know that God will do it, then why do we ask?

If we feel that we must ask, then we don't know what God will do and therefore lack faith for God to perform.

The bible is filled with hundreds of examples of how God will perform. Especialy in the OT. If we know the word and are in tune with his Spirit and will, then we can know what He will and will not do in most situations. We therefore do not need to ask, cause we already know what He will do.

This is hard to convey through typing. My mind goes way to fast for the keyboard and my words could fill many pages.

[Martin]

I don't agree with any of the options.....

I think that when you "ask" it should be with full assurance that your Father hears your prayer and will answer it.

Noit to beg, not to demand, not to request politely (He's your Father!!!)

[SunnyLin]

praying is sometimes difficult for me. i know there's a certain way to pray, a certain "template" to follow. you start with praise, then move on to needs and requests, etc etc. unfortunately... i never have time to think of these things. usually i just begin by saying "Hi God" and continue on about my thoughts and my day, reviewing it with a religious look and praising God for anything he has blessed me with. unfortunately.. it usually ends with me and my overwhelming requests for friends and family. i like to thank God for everything, but i know its not right, but i usually pray a lot more for help and wisdom and safety for my family and friends.

[Droobie]

John 14:14 (NIV) You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. [/B]

I would challenge you all to really meditate on this verse and what Jesus is telling us to do.  What attitude should we have when we pray?  Do we pray with uncertainty, or expectancy? 

To be honest it has suprised me with how the poll is going.  Or prehaps is the wording of the poll unclear?  Do people read John 14:14 before answering the poll?

SunnyLin, there is no concrete set template to pray.  Jesus did indeed set us an example with the Lord's prayer.  But there are many ways to pray.  What is more important, is not so much the words you use and the order in which you say them, but your attitude with which you say them.  Your faith!

[Apologist]

Originally posted by OntheRock
In a way, I demand. Sometimes I even find myself saying, "Lord, I command your blessings to come forth." Pretty strong words, but I've found from personal experience that He is quick to answer.



I say that is unbiblical. He only answers our prayers if it is His will, so demanding a prayer request is futile. God gives us what He thinks we need and we can beg all we want for something He knows is not best for us and we will not get it.

God bless

[Droobie]

Perhaps many are caught up with the word 'demand'.  We do not 'demand' God for a Ferarri.  We do not 'demand' in prayer for a 5 million dollar mansion.  We do not 'demand' for us to win the lottery tomorrow.

John 11:24  For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, belive (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will get it

When we pray according to His will and purpose.  When we pray according to His word, we need to believe and trust that He will answer and provide.

[SMELLY SHOE]

i have a hard time praying. i feel like they go unheard:(

[dmfew6599]

Sometimes I want to demand or beg just to make it happen faster but I know God works in his own time and how he feels is best for us.

[Blade]

I'm not sure how you ment 'demand' but I took it as, when I go to the father I know my rights. My son, wrong or right has rights to ask or if he's really smart :) knows what he can demand. Then I catch my self and see just who I am demanding from (GOD) lol. So much to pray for just not enough time..

[MetalBlade]

I've heard all threee of those used before, so I am not to sure on which one is correct!

[Cecilia]

I have been taught to pray in the following way. First, praise the Lord. Second, confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. Third, pray for the needs of the people around you (including yourself if the need be).

When we pray, we must thank the Lord for our answered prayers in ADVANCE! The Lord has already answered us but the answer is waiting until the time is fit for us to recieve it. He always provides and protects, even if it seems the time is running short.

I feel that I am not very good at praying. I try the best that I can. Once you start though, the Holy Spirit will guide you. It is amazing to hear the words you thought you couldn't compose pouring out of your mouth in one never-ending prayer. It's truly overwhelming.

If you feel you are not good at praying, my youth pastor suggests checking into the book of Psalms and starting there or even singing a church hymn. Both offer praise to our Lord.

[Jephunneh]

ASK- Ask, Seek and Knock.

Matthew 7
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

[rssllue]

My paryers used to be selfish and pride-filled with me thinking I knew what was best for me and what and how God should do HIS work. I have been trying, with the Lord's help, to change that in the past year or so. I now come to Him with praise and thanks and ask for Him to put me in His will more often than to have my way. I am nowhere near perfect on this, but I am much better and feel much closer to His work and will than ever before!

[Konnie]

We should request politely and wait.

[bop1997]

I chose the first one....Demanding GOD to do anything can get you in trouble, or blocked blessings.

[Poiema]

How do you pray?  Do you feel that you're good at praying?  Does it come easy to you?  What should we be praying for?

John 14:14 (NIV) You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Interesting question. I chose "ask politely and wait" only because it was closest to how I pray.
I think it's sad that so often prayer is viewed as a way to get things from God (as evidencved in this poll question).

Prayer is nothing speacial, really. It is simply communication with God. And we are to have hearts of contant prayer (Eph 6:18). And, as children of a gracious Father, we should be able to talk to Him about even the smallest things. I've put this into practice a lot over the last five years or so and find a greater communion with God as I approach Him as a child who simply wants to talk with her Father rather than a servant begging permission for things or asking for a request to be filled.
To be walking down the lane and have a very natural thought of, "Wow,God, Great sunrise today!" is the way it should be.

Prayer is not for morning, evening, meals, and needs. Prayer is for every moment of the day. Learn to bask in the presence of God.

[GlowingFirefly]

Most defenitly and always the first one. :)

[OpenBook]

I never really thought about how I prayed.

I generally just talk to God, about things as the day goes by. I guess depending on what and whom I am praying for would determind how I pray.
I think that I would generally fall into the first category, unless I was praying for something that I considered a real need, like my health or the health and spiritual wellness of someone, then I would pray in the I have the authority in Christ to pray this.

Just my thoughts.
OB

[Snowy]

I just hope that when I pray God hears me and will answer my prays one day..I just hope that I pray the right way

[mesue]

The Gospel According To John 14:14
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Jesus is saying ask in His name and He will do it.
I know He will, I believe Him at His word.

[Kathy]

Never ever beg and never ever demand....I guess I just talk to God,about everyday things that are going on in my life. plain & simple talk...... :pray:

[The_Saint]

Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church says that if you want God to hear your prayers, then you should pray for others. And God will answer your prayers.

[Amanda-Soo]

I don't think this verse is really about how to ask. It's more about asking for something to be done in his name and He will do it. Of course we can't demand God to do anything. He will do what He decides to do, but if He has promised to do it then He will.

[wow]

:wave:

[Glorianna]

God knows both what we want and what we need. He even knows these things better than we ourselves do! When we pray, we should politely ask Him for things and then wait for a response- either yes, no, or wait.

[Chriswoods83]

well when we ask in HIs name, it is according to His will, and to glorify him.

[The Sun]

I generally tend to pray for loads of other people close to me and, and even more who arent, and when doing that I usually ask and make sure that its there on His 'waiting list' as it were. I dont usually pray for myself though, I feel guilty about troubling Him with my own petty problems, and selfish that I put myself above other people, although on the occasions I have prayed for myself Ive ended up, without knowing, begging for help and usually crying as well. A bit selfish of me I know, but there we go....

[Meow]

i dont like praying out loud anywhere. i say it all in my head.

[brotherChristian]

What a great thread, I feel blessed to have read it. All who said God knows what is in our hearts and what we need before we ask are right, of course. So then prayer, while it pleases God, is mostly for our own benefit; it helps us sort our priorities and focus on our goals. For me, seemingly unanswered prayers serve as a clue that my priorities may not be God's at this particular time.

[TheMainException]

If you ask for something that he is okay with, he might say "yes," or he might say "wait." If you ask for something you don't need and that you shouldn't have at all, he will say "no." And then it is right as a believer to accept his answer and keep moving.

[PaladinGirl]

I voted demand although I wouldn't use that word in my opinion. I'd say to request it and know that you'll receive it.

[faith by day]

Ask Nicely and wait, for if god wants it to be it will be. he will anwser when the time is right.

[Touring3D]

The first option is the only reasonable one. :)

[sammipher]

When I pray..It can be any time of the day...Every day...I just thank the Lord for all he has done for me, to give me strength if it is something that I am having a difficult time with...I pray for those who are sick, dealing with life's problems, and that I may do his will in everything...of course my first sentence is "Please forgive me of my sins"..You sin everyday...so I never leave this out...I will also admit to what I have done wrong...and what I should have done to prevent it...and for forgiveness for it. I find that when I admit I feel ashamed and that keeps me from doing it again....I will try my best. But, remember this a wise friend once told me to never pray for patience...because you will get it....and it may not always be the way you want to learn patience....as for praying about anything material...I don't...if we are having financial difficulty I just pray our needs are met...example : food, shelter, health.

[brinny]

Prayer is what David did when he poured out his heart to God, without reserve. It's knowing that we can approach God as a loved child. We can skip to Him so to speak, to experience the joy of His presence. In a sense prayer is what Adam did in the Garden of Eden when he 'walked' with God before sin. It's what Enoch did when he 'walked' with God.

God rejoices over us with singing. He delights in us. Maybe prayer is delighting to enter His presence, and like an excited child, just pour it out to Him, letting Him know all that is in our hearts, how much we love Him, throwing our arms around His neck, and dancing in His presence.

God rejoices. When we do so with Him, perhaps that is the ultimate prayer.

I've been meditating on what exactly prayer is for about a month. I'm still meditating what it means to 'pray without ceasing'.

I love this thread :clap:

[The "J"]

Request politely

[The "J"]

And wait!

[Moros]

I am terrible at it.

[christianfilmcrew]

I put not sure. Most of the time it's asking politely and waiting, but there are times when we can petition God to fulfill His promises to us too.

[Andy D]

I couldnt answer this poll because I believe it means so much more than those answers.

[Raithlin]

Prayer should be an important aspect of any Christian's life - after all, it's our link to God.

However, I don't see the verse "Pray without ceasing." as an invitation to nag God. He knows our hearts, and will never forget. Sometimes He grants our request because we ask so often - not necessarily because it is His Will.

That said, there are times when we should be on our knees - interceding for others, for example, can easily qualify as a repetitive request.

NEWay, just my thoughts. For the record, I voted unsure, for reasons just stated.

[justjan]

I think it depends on what we are praying for. For me it is easier to be bold in making requests on behalf of others. For myself, I feel like a brat demanding anything of God. I agree that it is easier to concentrate with a prayer partner than to pray alone.

I also agree that sometimes prayer requires kneeling, sometimes standing with arms raised, sometimes I spend drive time in my car praying.

[Heaven_Bound]

GOD will give us what he wants in his time not ours.

[tama_sempai]

In regard to John 14:14, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.", we must read this in context of the passage. Start from John 14:5 and work your way down and you'll find that Jesus is talking about the furtherance of His kingdom! That is, when we pray, we would be asking God for anything for His purpose and His glory, not for our own wants and selfish desires! John 14:13 says, "I (Jesus) will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." God will always provide for our needs, so let us remember that praying for what we want, is not necessarily what God wants. In fact, what we want should be what God wants, and that is for all to be saved! So the next time you pray to God, ask Him to provide you with the wisdom to talk to that friend who has always been pondering about your personal relationship with God.

[Bladecarver]

Request and wait for God's answer in his plan.

[brinny]

Request politely

Bless your heart dear brother in Christ "J".....what do ya mean by 'request politely'?

It reminds me of a child of the King who is timid about going to his father, who loves him very deeply, yet this prince approaches his father 'politely' and therefore maintains a distance in doing so.

Do you mean respectfully? Am I misreading you?

Think about something for me. Do you think God already knows what we are thinking, deep down in our heart, waaay in the back of our mind before we approach Him. Many of those thoughts, feelings we harbor, are not 'polite'.

He wants what is in our hearts to come forth...and I gots a feeling they're not always 'polite'.....they're passionate, sometimes ferocious, sometimes the cracking of a broken heart, sometimes the dragging sound of a devastated soul......none of which are 'polite'.

Our souls hold so much more...oh that we would dig deeper like David did. There was a reason he was the apple of God's eye. And it wasn't because he was 'polite'. He didn't approach God 'politely'. Sometimes he ran to Him as if his life depended on it...and many times it did.

Ever heard Twila Paris' song 'The Warrior is a Child'? We are all warriors. Sometimes we crumple at our Father's feet. That is neither polite nor pretty. It is necessary. We need Him for our very breath. We need Him for strength to walk the path that He blazes before us. Our going to Him is a very cry from our soul for help, for the grace to continue. Cries from the soul are not polite. they are real, and sometimes loud, and sometimes passionate, but always so real that 'politeness' doesn't enter the picture.

God bless you.

[churchgoer38850]

but if we demand it we more than likely dont need it any way

[kyansk]

When I "Pray", I just talk to God like He's my best friend sitting right beside me. I talk to Him in the car, while cooking, while working, etc. Sometimes I set side some time to do some "formal" prayer, like bible reading and talking to Him about it, but I am a rather undisciplined person and fail to do it on a regular basis. I'm too spontaneous. I'm not regimented in any of my relationships with family or friends, so that's how I treat the relationship between me and My Lord. Our relationship is spontaneous, loving, any time, all the time. We talk about family, friends, job, problems, joys & questions. I like to be quiet for a time and ask Him who I should pray for...and when a person comes to mind, I spend time in prayer for that person. It's amazing who the Lord leads me to pray for! I love my conversations with Jesus! And he talks to me in the quiet moments, through beauty, through tough life lessons, and little whispers throughout the day.

[tsoovere]

aiteō
ahee-teh'-o

Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): - ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require.

This is the greek word used in Matt 14:14. And I pray with all my heart and soul in constant thought, word and deed to God. :holy: Ok, I'm not perfect and I don't think positivly every single moment, but I do ask God for desires and needs. Heb 10:19 tells us to have boldness to enter the Holiest of Holies by the blood of Jesus, but never forgetting the fear of the Lord when you speak to Him. We are His children, not slaves so ask accordingly.

[Kris_J]

I don't think I would ask anything of God - more like I express to God my hopes & feelings of what I want to happen, then I let God know that I know that God knows what's best & that "He" will judge for "Himself" what is the best course of action. So in effect, I am just sharing my feelings with God - but leave to God to take care of it. My answer is "none of the above".

[okiemommy26]

request

[Neal]

It comes easily to me. Same with anything you do: the more often you do it, the easier it becomes. So yeah, I'm praying often, I think. I love to do it, especially out loud and on street corners where men will praise me for my long speeches and flowery words and ..... oh wait...

[indeep]

I pray in faith and thankfullness, and ask with the belief that God has the ability to do what I ask, but in his own way and in his own time, if it is with his will.

[Maeyken]

When I pray, I usually write it out, since my mind wanders too much when I am just saying it. It helps me to focus on talking to God, and allows time for me to stop and listen (which I am not too good at) without forgetting what I was just talking about.

[honeybear06]

we pray because there are so many things that are out of our hands, that we have no control over, only the Lord does. We pray out of fear, hope, anguish, love, joy... praying can be for any reason. Even those with little faith may pray for more faith and understanding. Ask and you shall receive.:groupray:

[SJBrian]

I've had plenty of questions myself on this topic - Mainly is there a difference between outward prayer (using your voive out loud) and inward prayer (prayer in your mind without words). My brother in law believes outward prayer is more effective but I used to think it didn't matter because God knows what is in your heart and if it's not a prayer from the heart no matter how you pray it won't neccessarily be heard. Although after he convicted me of this I started to pray out loud and the feeling afterward was more spirit filled! I guess I'm still not sure?!?!:confused:

-Brian

[Spyk]

Doesn't it say to seek God with all your heart and jesus prayed with tears in his eyes. ! Thats a preeety hard prayer to pray ! Its powerfull. !

[jangnim]

I voted for ask politely and wait, yet at times in a prayer offered in passion I find I do beg, but not in hopes He'll answer, but with assurance He will.

[Hisbygrace]

John 14:14 (NIV) You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. [/B]

I would challenge you all to really meditate on this verse and what Jesus is telling us to do.  What attitude should we have when we pray?  Do we pray with uncertainty, or expectancy? 

To be honest it has suprised me with how the poll is going.  Or prehaps is the wording of the poll unclear?  Do people read John 14:14 before answering the poll?

SunnyLin, there is no concrete set template to pray.  Jesus did indeed set us an example with the Lord's prayer.  But there are many ways to pray.  What is more important, is not so much the words you use and the order in which you say them, but your attitude with which you say them.  Your faith!
Droobie,
I believe that Jesus is telling us that if we ask believing that He will answer, we will recieve. I can't really remember anywhere in the Scriptures where we have been given the right to demand anything from our Father in heaven. But, we know that Jesus' word is true, therefore if He says ask in My name and you shall recieve, then we are sure to recieve an answer. Even if it is not the one we sought. Jesus says we can ask Him anything, in His name, and He will do it. That anything means for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, believers, non-believers, strangers on the street and ourselves. In HIS name means believing in HIM.

[Right_Wing]

I feel personally like i'm bad at praying, which could be a real problem! I just feel like God already knows and it seems repetative to just pray as well, however i know we are commanded to. I believe you should pray for others mostly!!

[sictransitgloriamundi]

agree

[jcright]

voted note sure....cause I'm not sure any of those descriptions really fit. I would think that when we pray its because we need to offer up to God everything that is going on in our lives.

[Ceccia]

To be walking down the lane and have a very natural thought of, "Wow,God, Great sunrise today!" is the way it should be..Oh, excellent. :) I had started to think I was some kind of freak for doing just that. We had the most amazing thunderstorm the other night (not enough to knock out our power, though!) and two of my closest friends came over and we watched the tape of a concert we sang in last year and just talked...and half way through the evening I was just filled with thanks for God for giving me such a lovely night: weather, atmosphere, true friendship, etc. and I silently just said "wow. Thanks." as if He was in the room wathcing and talking with us (which, in a sense I think He was!) :)

Anyway, about prayer...there's a verse in Luke about being "imprtune" when asking for things. (Importune=asking with complete faith, and asking often and insistently.) I don't say "if it be Your will", because I think that's redundant. Obviously, I'm not going to get something if it's NOT in God's will for me to have it--I know that, and God knows that I know that. So I just ask for what I want...I never just ask for something once and leave it at that, and I try not to just start asking for things without first praising and thanking Him for what He has already done and for who He is. And I try to pray for other people before I start thinking about myself. Because I don't want to be ungrateful or selfish.

I pray about everything...even things that some people would think are selfish. For instance, I'm praying now to be re-united with someone that I love, who is now pretty far away. :( Some people waould say that that's futile, because God already knows who I'm going to end up with, but the way I see it, there's NEVER any harm in asking for things! Either I'll get it or I won't, but where's the harm in asking?

I also think that on some issues, God does leave the door open for change. My Bible teacher put it this way (or maybe he was reading something that someone else wrote, I forget...but I think it illustrates it perfectly):

"I want my kids to learn to play an instrument, so I'm going to sign them up for piano lessons. But if my daughter really wants to play the flute instead, and she asks to be allowed to take flute, I'm going to let her have flute lessons. But if they don't say anything, they're going to get piano lessons."

He went on to say that some things are determined ahead of time, but there are some things that can be changed by prayer. And if prayer never changed anything, it would be an exercise in futility...not to mention that God wouldn't have exhorted us to pray for things if He knew that praying would never yield any results! My teacher gave a few very good OT examples of situations where God left the door open to be changed by prayer, and I wish I could remember the verses/books that they came from, but I can't :(

You'll never get more than you ask for. So why wouldn't you ask for what you really wnat? God already knows what's in your heart and what it is that you really want, so if you refrain from asking for something because you don't think you deserve it, or for whatever reason...God knows that you want it anyway! There's no fooling Him! :)

[SandyLou]

I ask and wait.

If you truly meditate on this and the REST of the Bible, you may come to a conclusion similar to mine. . . God always answers prayers.
Sometimes it's YES :clap:
Sometimes it's NO :sigh:
Sometimes it's WAIT ;)

[Saruman]

I beg and hope he will answer for guidence and help in severe problems, not petty ones. I know God knows how bad a situation is for me before I pray, but I believe abasing myself in pleading and begging would favor him more.

[xxRachaelxx]

Demand as your right as a believer?? Why would you say that?

[xsynerinc]

I beg and hope he will answer for guidence and help in severe problems, not petty ones. I know God knows how bad a situation is for me before I pray, but I believe abasing myself in pleading and begging would favor him more.when a person is unsure what God's will may be on the matter he may try begging. but Jesus never said. "beg". and if He never said it.. then how can one hope for it to work?

but for the person who knows God's character/nature and will on the matter, asking becomes an honorable request and confidence of a "yes" answer.

but Jesus did say, ask concerning your heart's desire, and believe you receive.
we can be sure then that doing that will work.

i follow after the successful examples in the scriptures of answered request of the various people in Jesus earthly ministry.

Jesus responds and moves to faith.

i may get emotional about the situation but i know that God watches over His word to perform it, so i return His word to Him in prayer - with thanksgivings.

and another thing i do is take as my prayers those that Paul said he prayed for the various churches.

and prayer in the spirit is very helpful as well. ;)

[mrguitarporsche5]

clueless........
still.........

[shasta12c]

i was saved 18 years ago and im just now feeling like i have a clue how to pray hehe... when its just me alone i feel confident that i know how to pray well but i feel like i dont know what im doing if anyone else is listening to me hehe i pray like i talking to God as if He were standing right before me

[AdJesumPerMariam]

We can ask...but remembering God has a plan.

[xsynerinc]

i believe that making prayer requests should always be with a heart set (better than mind set) that God is more desire-rous to give than we are to receive.
remembering that He is really and trully our Father. He's our ABBA=Daddy. and He loves us the same as He loves Jesus.

we should build our faith on that.
can we see Jesus ever getting a "no" answer?

well, what if what i ask is not His will?
if its not illegal, or immoral - and you can tell what is and isn't.. then its a heart desire. and God grants every heart desire that you have.

i believe that we should in the waiting time - fellowship with Him. speak His word and promises, and the record of what He's done for others in His word.. back to Him.

i believe that we should always stay in a mode of anticipation of that answer that we requested.

i believe that we should aways have a heart of praise thanksgiving and rejoicing.

i believe that we should likewise become a giver.. find something that we could do for God. get in on what He focuses on. do our part to help make His desires come to pass.
what would that be? you ask?

pray for others to be saved. give financially to ministries where others are being saved, healed, delivered.

[draconus71]

When I pray I prefer to pray alone. When I am with others and we are praying together I feel like I am not praying sufficiently enough even though I know God listens to me no matter how good or bad I am at praying

[ajuran]

prayer is about talking to our father. so as his kids we can demand things and bother him with our problems. of course we shall pray for others, for missions, politicians and so on. and i do it a lot. but if we dont get to the place where prayer is for us just climbing in the rock of our beloved daddy, we´re unable to be prayer warriors. cause real prayer comes out of a deep relationship.

i´m so thankful that i was teached how to pray, and that you can pray in any creative way. i love to pray in the night hours. where just me and god are awake. so if you want to learn about prayer - thats for the young folk - check out this website: http://www.24-7prayer.com

[Fonzy]

we should ask nicely

[StaySalty]

How do you pray?  Do you feel that you're good at praying?  Does it come easy to you?  What should we be praying for?

John 14:14 (NIV) You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
I pray the Lord's prayer, and then praise God for what He's done, make my requests known, pray for others, and ask for forgiveness.

I also ask Him how to pray. Sometimes just saying "Abba...Father." is enough, the Spirit knows what we need before we say it.

[delvaughn]

I try to follow the example set forth by Jesus in the Lord's Prayer. I thank God for all the blessing He's given me, for all the miracles He's worked in the lives of those around me and in my own, for loving me unconditionally and so much that He sacrificed His own Son so that I might spend eternity in His glory. I pray that He guides me to follow His will more closely and not my own. I pray for those in need of healing, whether in finances, health, mental well-being, etc. and thank Him that it is His will that we all be healed in accordance with His Word. I thank God that my daughters are growing up healthy, strong, beautiful, intelligent, and obedient and that they will love Him and want to serve Him all the days of their lives. I ask God's help in areas that I'm struggling in, thanking him that anything is possible through Him.

I try to include my daughters in my prayer time as much as possible, asking the oldest (almost 3) what she'd like to pray for. It's often "trivial" things, like her teddy bear, but I guide her through her prayers and teach her that she can ask God anything and that He will answer according to His will. I also try to spend time alone each day to spend time praying in tongues in the Holy Spirit. :prayer:

[GodFlute2]

Just using context clues, I say A.

[Amy47]

the first one

[firestar]

Praying for me is just talking to God about what's on my heart and asking Him for guidance or help.

[crusader4peace]

it means to request. God is our creator and king. do we demand from a king or request?

so i believe 'ask' means request.

[Brooke4Jesus]

none of those answers.. I think that Prayer should be a continuous conversation with God... I mean.. If you ask you parent if you can have a peice of candy.. they will either give it to you or say "no" or "maybe later" but you dont have to beg them for the candy to know what their answer is.

[Big Mouth Nana]

I said ask politely and wait. I don't want the bolt of lightening to strike me dead, LOL. Do we demand things from our earthly Fathers, and does not God deserve even more respect then they do? He created us!!

[ashley lynne]

I Request politely and wait. I would never beg for anything or demand for anything. He is my father, I give Him the respect, I don't demand it.
I don't want to bother Him with my petty problems, I know He enjoys listening to all who pray to Him and I love telling Him everything. There are just so many other problems in the world that are so much larger than my own, I usually pray for those problems before even thinking of my own.
If anything, I ask politely and wait. If nothing comes, sometimes I ask again. He does tell us to ask, so I do.

:)
MissyA

[ashley lynne]

I said ask politely and wait. I don't want the bolt of lightening to strike me dead, LOL. Do we demand things from our earthly Fathers, and does not God deserve even more respect then they do? He created us!!

I couldn't agree with you more. Respect is what we should all give to our Heavenly Father :thumbsup:.

MissyA

[Godslilgurlalways]

I feel out of respect you ask and just wait *** will come to pass in due time. And we have to remember God if God doesn't do anything for us in our life he has already did enouggh and should still praise him. God was nice enough that he will hear us and reply I am sure he didn't have to make it like that. Than again he didn't have to wake us up this morning but he did and I thank him for that:) He derseve respect in the past,present, and in the fututre don't forget we owe him no the other way around . He was the one who sent his son to die for us so we don't all die and go to Hell.

[Lake]

[quote=Martin]I don't agree with any of the options.....

I think that when you "ask" it should be with full assurance that your Father hears your prayer and will answer it.

Noit to beg, not to demand, not to request politely (He's your Father!!!)[/quote

great post martin.

[handmaiden97]

I think at most times prayer comes fairly easily....not always and sometimes it is hard to get started, but when I do, I love to pray!!!

[gal4God]

Request politely and wait

[firestar]

Ask with confidence but not demanding

[TexasSky]

I couldn't respond to the poll because my answer wasn't listed.

I approach the Heavenly Father like a Father. I talk to Him about everything, from the biggest things like when I had cancer to the smallest things like, "I need to find my car keys so I don't get to work late." I try to be respectful, I understand that sometimes He tells me no for my own good, I accept that the request must be made with faith.

I don't think loving interaction ever "bothers" God. I think it keeps Him in our thoughts and minds throughout the day. I also think that at times it helps our spiritual life to ask for the little things and receive a yes.

There was a time in my life when things seemed to keep getting worse every day, and I began to wonder if I had done something to make God turn His back on me. A simple prayer for a lost car-key made me realize that He was still listening, still watching, still caring, and that while the times were dark, they were not hopeless because He was still God and He still loves His children.

[brokenbeliever]

my prayer life has changed over the years. it seems prayer is more meaningful to me than it use to be. i actually do hear from God often when i pray. (for others) it was encouraging to read the responses to this question. it seems an essential component of prayer is faith. faith for me has been difficult. it is something i need much more of.

[David4223]

Jn 14:14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Let me just copy and paste the info from the Expositor's commentary for this verse. I agree with it, but I'll let everyone make their own judgements. :)

The power of the disciples originated in prayer. Jesus could hardly have made more emphatic the declaration that whatever they should ask in his name, he would do. The phrase "in my name," however, is not a talisman for the command of supernatural energy. He did not wish it to be used as a magical charm like an Aladdin's lamp. It was both a guarantee, like the endorsement on a check, and a limitation on the petition; for he would grant only such petitions as could be presented consistently with his character and purpose. In prayer we call on him to work out his purpose, not simply to gratify our whims. The answer is promised so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. The disciples' obedience to him will be the test of their love.

[Kimberlyann]

not sure

[Christian_Babe234]

When I pray I don't make a big deal
about it. Although there are times I am in desperate need of help from God.:thumbsup: :amen:

[blakey]

I believe prayer needs to have faith. You need to be faithful that through prayer God will answer in his time. Prayer without faith is dead, why pray if you dont believe it will happen?

[stealingheaven]

As it says in one of the pics in my siggy 'pray, believe, expect, receive'. Or as in many christitan wrist bands P.U.S.H, 'pray until somehting happens'. I therefore know God will answer my prayers, whether I will get the response I want and when is a different matter though.

[Followers4christ]

When I pray I usally give thanks and ask God to watch over my family,all my brothers and sister in Christ.I also ask God to watch over and Guide all the people who are seeking him to find and accept him as their Lord and saviour.
When I pray I feel at peace and I feel as God is right there in the same room as I ,as I pray to Him.God Bless

[Kirkhaven]

WHile I think we should pray and act respectfully, there are references in scripture that say we should pray with persistence and fervency.

[NostalgicGranny]

Request respectfully, and KNOW that it is a done deal.

[JeyJack]

Praying already knowing that you received it if it was in God's will

[JeyJack]

If we have faith that we already received the thing we ask for,that's done ;)