A question on prayer

[ProdigalSeeker]

Hey Family,

Prayer seemes to be a daunting task. Everyone needs prayer for several reasons unique to each. How are we to know who to pray for and what to pray for. If we were to be conclusive about it, there would not be enough hours in a day? :prayer:

[jcj3803]

Hey Family,

Prayer seemes to be a daunting task. Everyone needs prayer for several reasons unique to each. How are we to know who to pray for and what to pray for. If we were to be conclusive about it, there would not be enough hours in a day? :prayer:

Pray for guidance about what to pray for. See where that leads you. You might be surprised...

[RayJGentry]

One of the best ways I was taught to pray was the Lord's Prayer. Christ told us to pray as He did, and gave us that prayer. Now of course you're not limited to just reciting it, but use it as a framework for what to pray for.

Our father in heaven, hollowed be Your name:
Remember who God is and that he is holy. This humbles us and reminds us who God is.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven:
We pray that we might be ministers of making earth more like God's kingdom and that we seek his will in all we do.

Give us today our daily bread:
Take care of us as you've promised.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us:
Personal confession to God and asking for forgiveness. Then we ask God to help us forgive others and by specifically stating the things we need to forgive of others we give them to God, remembering that we are just as imperfect as others and need to give forgiveness as we need it from God.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil:
Protect us from sinning and the evils of the world around us.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, now and forever:
Again we remember that everything is God's and to remember that all around us and that God has created truly belongs to him. Again, we humble ourselves before God, remembering that He's truly so much more than we can ever understand.

Amen:
I believe it's Hebrew basically meaning, so be it or truly (Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen)). That God will listen and answer our prayers.

If you're looking for a better description of this, I believe Luther goes through something like this in the Small Catechism. Remember though, that when we pray, our ultimate goal should be to pray for the things that God wants us to pray for. We don't want to treat God as a waiter taking our order and then delivering it up to us. This is just one suggestion on how to pray, but I figured since you're probably looking for some sort of structure to get going that it would be a good start :D

[ProdigalSeeker]

That is a wonderful idea. Thanks JC & RayJ!

[InWonder]

I enjoy spending some time out of my day to pray. There are infinite ways, reasons, and things to pray about. I find prayer easiest to do as things are happening. For example, when I am happy about something, an event, a person, life, anything, I say a prayer of thankfulness to God. For me it can be anything from my favorite song coming on the radio and cheering me up to an answer to prayers in tough times that I am thankful for. Also, when I am having difficulties with life I stop and say a quick prayer for help, guidance and to see God working in the world around me. For who to pray for...I pray for everyone, and anyone. From enemies, to friends, to anyone who needs help, I pray for their needs and I give thanks for having people to share this life with.

Most of my prayers are prayers of thankfulness and prayers for guidance. Give praise to the Lord for all that is good, and ask him for guidance in times of need, for you and others.

God Bless,
InWonder

[ProdigalSeeker]

I do something similar... when I see someone that really needs some prayer at that moment, I like to visualize Jesus comforting them.