Fear of prayer...?

[DubWarrior2006]

Hi guys... :help:

This is my first post outside the introduction thread, but it is something I want to get your opinion on. I am 22 years old and have only recently begun my journey with God. I have found myself a little apprehensive, even afraid maybe, when it comes to praying. I can be all by myself, in my home, with no-one else around, and (although I really, really want to communicate with Jesus) find it hard to speak the words. From my heart.

I am curious if any other "new" christians experience the same problem. Maybe it is something that has come about from how I feel others may percieve me? Although no-one else is around, I feel that maybe it is an ego thing from my days as a non-christian? In the world I've grown up in, image has always been very important. Being a bloke, being "tough" has always been very important (subconsciously). I find myself mumbling, and very hard to "spit" the words out.

I'd like to point out that my experience with God is very personal. Nobody told me I should become a christian, or invited me to a church. This is a decision I came to on my own merit. I have led a life of sin, and I decided to research christianity. That was a year ago, and I have only recently made the step of praying to Jesus for forgiveness.

Your thoughts? (Much appreciated)

[Sennaria]

I know myself, I have had that experience and still do at times. The one thing I tell myself is what I've been told and it works. Don't worry about praying, TALK to God. No need to be all flowery and formal, just talk to Him as you would your best friend.

Also, one thing I have used when I hit a "dry" spell is...I will say the Lord's Prayer and mean it, not just rote it out unmeaningful and then sit quiet....the Lord will bring me things to mind that He wants to discuss with me, or He will bring people to mind that He wants me to pray for.

Just relax and let it flow.

That's the best advice I can give that has worked for me.

Sennaria

[FrAnthony]

This is my first post outside the introduction thread, but it is something I want to get your opinion on. I am 22 years old and have only recently begun my journey with God. I have found myself a little apprehensive, even afraid maybe, when it comes to praying. I can be all by myself, in my home, with no-one else around, and (although I really, really want to communicate with Jesus) find it hard to speak the words. From my heart.

...

Your thoughts? (Much appreciated)

Don't worry too much. Praying in solitude is often more difficult than praying when part of a group...just ask any Monk. I'll suggest a couple things I've seen help others with things like this:

1. Pray general prayers as part of a group, and then take small informal steps in your discussions with God (a.k.a. prayers). Safety in numbers.

2. Try using what's called the Jesus Prayer - "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."...or use the short version ("Lord have mercy.") and build up from there. You can say it as many times as necessary....eventually, the rest will flow.

More times than not, the underlying issue is a combination of your own pride and fear. When you are alone, there is nobody to perform for and all you have to offer God is yourself for better and worse. The good news is that's all He wants. Just remember not to lose faith...it's a journey, not a light switch.

In Christ,
Fr. Anthony

[DubWarrior2006]

Thank you guys. I will take it slowly. :thumbsup:

[BeLedbyHisSpirit]

Wow, brother in Christ, I am moved by this thread - your honest and open confession, and the following posts by the other sister and brother.

I sat back just now and the Spirit of God showed me His love for you, and His drawing you ever-closer to Himself through this whole process.

The Father and Son have marked you, to be in Jesus' kingdom with Him, and are laboring over you to bring about the image of Jesus upon you.

Then, God moved you to write, and the responses that came forth from 2 of His other children, to encourage you. I am moved by all this. I hope you see it, too! I'm sure you do.

Lastly, I am now in my early 40's but got born-again about 25 years ago. My own personal process dealt with this question of yours, too, but in a kinda different way. I found myself talking to other Christians (those I felt close and comfortable with) about it, sometimes, because I knew I had a type of serious problem. It was this:

I found that in my flesh, my soul, I had no problem worshiping God (the Father), and honoring Him (so I thought), but when it came to Jesus, I found it difficult to worship Him the same way. Then, I sometimes felt like, "Why do I have to worship God? Can't I just love Him as the greatest? Why need I bow myself down like a pigmie... etc., to show something? I grooved on God more than anything else in the world. Why the bow down, lay prostrate, worship thing?"

Some of the brethren tried to show me that my bad conceptions of this problem had to do with my idea of what God is after. God was not after me being driven to enslavement, or the negative idea of worship that I had, but rather that God was after me being united to Him and causing my growth and perfection. Essentially, there is no other way for this to happen, except to get totally in line with Him.. including the revelation of His greatness, and my awe of Him, which brings about the worship.

Then, that problem of worshiping Jesus... wow... well that was another problem... because there was a name to this Guy. I mean, Jesus... the Man... again, my dignity as another man (created by God, mind you!), had trouble bowing my knee (so to speak) to this great Man. I knew Jesus was the best, but still had this real issue gnawing at me.

Well... I don't want to write a book here, but as time went on, I found Jesus laboring over me all the time, and continuing to win my life to Him. The more I rebelled, I kept running right into His open arms!

I kept coming to this, "Why do you still love me??? I don't understand it?!! How many times can I be the prodigal son? I am numbering near a 1000 times now.?"

Jesus leaves the 99 to search out the one who strays.

His love and mercy, which He has for EVERYBODY, started to transform my inner being. It could not happen any other way.

Hence, my hidden judgmental attitudes began to dissolve. My compassion for all sinners, increased. My hope for all carnal saints to get the revelation of His Way, drove deep into me.

So in closing, I say to you this cliche, "Hang in there, and do not lose your hope, which is vital to save you, and I know for fact, right now, that Jesus loves you and is going to bring about a marvelous transformation in you!"

In Jesus,

Be Led By His Spirit

[sistakrista]

Dub Warrior,
I don't know what I can add - all these posters have given GREAT advice! I think if you would look at the "prayer requests," part of this board & pray for the people requesting & read the replies. you will get a little more practice. God doesn't need/want "fancy ," words , or repetitive prayers. Just like making a new friend in the physical, is our relationship with Christ. As the others have said.... it's a journey. God KNOWS every single, "hangup," we have & still He promised to never leave nor forsake us!

I had a similar problem, as BeLed's - I did not see Jesus as God for a good 20 years of my Christian life, I could worship Him, but not pray to Him. The Father was quite gracious & generous with me, giving me a glorious revelation of His Beloved Son.

[reason90]

i had exactly the same problem as u have now, dear. i'm a born again for nearly 2 years now. and i shall say that the transformation that i've experienced throughout the time has been lots. i've definitely grown in my prayer walk with God.

I used to be one who doesn't like praying. I had problem praying in groups and corporate prayer whenever it's my turn. but when it comes to one-on-one praying to God, i didn't have problem. i think it's because i feared i say the wrong words, and i feared i don't have as flowery words as others do.

I'm confessing, that i even had prayer examples written down and memorise them. and whenever i leave for cell group meetings and services, i'd memorise them so at least i'd have "ideas" on what to pray. it worked out in a way that, i had things to pray for. but i didn't really mean what i prayed. because basically, it was just empty.

prayer has to come from within. it really doesn't matter if u do not have those flowery words, it's ur heart when u pray that matters! it's far more than just memorising prayers and reading them out.

just take it simple. praying to God is actually just talking to him like a friend. i'm very informal with God when it comes to praying. i tell Him everything! =) take it easy. start with a group of 2-3 ppl and pray regularly. after some time, u'd definitely see a change in ur prayer walk with God.

I pray that u will grow abundantly in ur walk with Jesus. May God bless you. =}

[alan650]

However, just recently, I know how to pray! It's wonderful and people who don't experience the "fear of praying" don't know how it feels most likely.

Just this past week I've found myself, all alone, able to just talk to God out loud and praise him for finding me again. Don't worry, it's a journey for all of us and no prayer is better than another.

Just get to know God everyday and you'll find it easier and easier. It's quite the journey!

[Rowan]

...Also, there's nothing wrong with praying in your head.

You're in my prayers :hug:

[holderz]

Hi guys... :help:

This is my first post outside the introduction thread, but it is something I want to get your opinion on. I am 22 years old and have only recently begun my journey with God. I have found myself a little apprehensive, even afraid maybe, when it comes to praying. I can be all by myself, in my home, with no-one else around, and (although I really, really want to communicate with Jesus) find it hard to speak the words. From my heart.

I am curious if any other "new" christians experience the same problem. Maybe it is something that has come about from how I feel others may percieve me? Although no-one else is around, I feel that maybe it is an ego thing from my days as a non-christian? In the world I've grown up in, image has always been very important. Being a bloke, being "tough" has always been very important (subconsciously). I find myself mumbling, and very hard to "spit" the words out.

I'd like to point out that my experience with God is very personal. Nobody told me I should become a christian, or invited me to a church. This is a decision I came to on my own merit. I have led a life of sin, and I decided to research christianity. That was a year ago, and I have only recently made the step of praying to Jesus for forgiveness.

Your thoughts? (Much appreciated)

Hi Dubwarrior

firstly great to hear that you are interested in finding the truth

as for fear to pray, you have no need to fear as hebrews 4:16 states
Heb 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
*************************
secondly with regard to what you said & i quote you
”I have only recently made the step of praying to Jesus for forgiveness.”

Not sure which area you meant by this comment so I have stated both areas (salvation & personal sin)

Christ paid the penalty of sin at the cross so forgiveness on sin is not the issue
If your issue is Salvation then all that is need is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ & you will be saved” “faith alone in Christ alone” that’s it nothing added ( no penance etc)
Act 16:30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
Act 16:31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

if your issue is praying because you have committed personal sin, the Word of God makes it clear in passages, that you as a believer only have to Rebound (Name & Cite that sin or sins), you don’t need to ask for forgiveness.

(Old Test) - Jer 3:13: Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the LORD your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the LORD.

(New Test) - 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In the original languages of the bible the word confess is the greek word “homologeo” which simply means to acknowledge, name, or cite

**************************
Just so your clear, there is no were in the bible that commands the believer to pray to Jesus, its always
1. To The Father,
2. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

Examples – Eph 5:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Mat 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.

I hope this helps

If you are looking for clear teachings from the original languages of the word of God which has had no human view point attached to it, here’s two pastor teachers web sites
Pastor Robert McLaughlin (Grace Bible Church) web address - gbible.org (all audio, video & text are free to view & download)

Pastor R.B Theime Jr - web address - rbthieme.org/

[holderz]

Hi guys... :help:

This is my first post outside the introduction thread, but it is something I want to get your opinion on. I am 22 years old and have only recently begun my journey with God. I have found myself a little apprehensive, even afraid maybe, when it comes to praying. I can be all by myself, in my home, with no-one else around, and (although I really, really want to communicate with Jesus) find it hard to speak the words. From my heart.

I am curious if any other "new" christians experience the same problem. Maybe it is something that has come about from how I feel others may percieve me? Although no-one else is around, I feel that maybe it is an ego thing from my days as a non-christian? In the world I've grown up in, image has always been very important. Being a bloke, being "tough" has always been very important (subconsciously). I find myself mumbling, and very hard to "spit" the words out.

I'd like to point out that my experience with God is very personal. Nobody told me I should become a christian, or invited me to a church. This is a decision I came to on my own merit. I have led a life of sin, and I decided to research christianity. That was a year ago, and I have only recently made the step of praying to Jesus for forgiveness.

Your thoughts? (Much appreciated)

Hi Dubwarrior

firstly great to hear that you are interested in finding the truth

as for fear to pray, you have no need to fear as hebrews 4:16 states
Heb 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
*************************
secondly with regard to what you said & i quote you
”I have only recently made the step of praying to Jesus for forgiveness.”

Not sure which area you meant by this comment so I have stated both areas (salvation & personal sin)

Christ paid the penalty of sin at the cross so forgiveness on sin is not the issue
If your issue is Salvation then all that is need is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ & you will be saved” “faith alone in Christ alone” that’s it nothing added ( no penance etc)
Act 16:30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
Act 16:31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

if your issue is praying because you have committed personal sin, the Word of God makes it clear in passages, that you as a believer only have to Rebound (Name & Cite that sin or sins), you don’t need to ask for forgiveness.

(Old Test) - Jer 3:13: Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the LORD your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the LORD.

(New Test) - 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In the original languages of the bible the word confess is the greek word “homologeo” which simply means to acknowledge, name, or cite

**************************
Just so your clear, there is no were in the bible that commands the believer to pray to Jesus, its always
1. To The Father,
2. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

Examples – Eph 5:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Mat 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.

I hope this helps

If you are looking for clear teachings from the original languages of the word of God which has had no human view point attached to it, here’s two pastor teachers web sites
Pastor Robert McLaughlin (Grace Bible Church) web address - gbible.org (all audio, video & text are free to view & download)

Pastor R.B Theime Jr - web address - rbthieme.org/

[Bshimmy]

There is power in prayer! Whatever is on your mind to ask God , ask him!! The Lord says, you have not because you ask not! There is no formal way with guidelines that you have to pray to God. However, read Luke 11:1-4 in this passage one of the Lord's disciples asks him to "teach us to pray".

[DanCF]

To DubWarrior2006

I stumbled upon your post from a Google search I was doing while looking for information on Robert McLaughlin and Grace Bible Church. (See Holderz comments in this thread). Your lucid writing style and sincerity prompted me to register here at Christian Forums so I could share with you a few ideas of my own.

One statement stood out to me while reading your post:"I'd like to point out that my experience with God is very personal. Nobody told me I should become a Christian, or invited me to a church. This is a decision I came to on my own merit. I have led a life of sin, and I decided to research Christianity."
Wow what an incredible way to start your walk with God! You are responding to the Holy Spirit's work; he is drawing you to God the Father. You haven't been pushed into accepting Christ because of pressure from your family or peers. It may seem that you came to this decision on your own merit but actually this process is due to God working in your soul to draw you to Himself. The theological term for this process is "Prevenient Grace". You can read about prevenient grace over at Wikipedia. Just use the search term Prevenient Grace.

Here are a few verses mentioned in the Wikipedia article:

Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you..." (ESV)

Ezekiel 34:11, 16: "For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out...I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak..." (ESV)

Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

John 6:44: "No man can come unto me, unless the Father who hath sent me, draw him..."

1 John 4:19: "We love him, because he first loved us."

What a privilege it is to be loved so much by the all powerful Creator of this universe. I mean, he could be occupied with so many other things but he cares enough about you to desire a personal relationship with you! And what an honor it is for us here at Christian Forums to see this process happening in you! (I hope you keep us updated as to how you are progressing in your spiritual life. It's exciting to watch another believer advance toward spiritual maturity.)

Regarding prayer - I've found it helpful to study Paul's prayers which have recorded in the bible such as this one in Ephesians 3:14-21:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)(That passage gives me chills every time I read it.)

Just go through that prayer and restate the words back to God in your own way. For example - you can restate verse 16 this way: "I pray that out of Your glorious riches that You will strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith." Just remember that there are many other prayer techniques. This is just one I find helpful.

I’ve got to go for now but later this evening or tomorrow I’ll find links to a few online resources that you may find to be helpful.

Dan

[JTLauder]

Hi DubWarrior,

Blessings to you for your personal discovery. It really sounds like God has touched you in a very personal way and you've recognized his prompting.

I may be an "old Christian" but I still get overwhelmed sometimes when coming before God. I think that's OK. As christians, we have a real and personal relationship with God, but we mustn't forget that his is still the almight ruler of the universe. Such respect for him is natural and important.

Sometimes, we can get too anxious thinking about what to pray. Prayer isn't a monologue. In especially difficult times, just sit in silence and take in the presence of God and see what he has to say to you.

In other times when I have a heavy heart but can't get the words out, it's helpful to remember that God is omniscien--he knows all and sees all. There is nothing you can hide from him that he doesn't already know. Reminding myself of that, I find that there's no point in trying to hide because he already knows it. There's nothing you can say that will shock or surprise God. Just speak your heart because he already knows it. He just wants you to be honest with him.