Until a few years ago, I didn't have much of a prayer life. Like many misguided Christians, I prayed only when I really needed (or believed I needed) or wanted something or when my life was in turmoil.
I even stopped praying for a long time because I felt the words of my prayers were too inadequate to present to God. Others just seemed more eloquent in their prayer presentations. While I stuttered and stammered to find words to form even one sentence, others said prayers which seemed to last an hour. I felt I wasn't faithful enough. The idea that maybe I didn't love God as much as they did broke my heart. That had to be why it seemed God wasn't answering my prayers. I didn't realize at that time He answers every prayer. It simply may not be answered in the way we hoped.
Fortunately, God provided me with insight which brought new meaning to the blessing of prayer. He led me to the right people who, along with inspired bible study, helped me learn what God really desires.
So, is there a right way to pray? I believe there is. Jesus gave us what we know as the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Although it is a perfect prayer, Jesus didn't mean we were to pray His words verbatim every time we pray. I believe Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer as a blueprint for our own prayers. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus instructs us, "in this manner, therefore, pray:" He does not say we must pray His exact words.
The following is a my breakdown of the Lord's Prayer and how we can use it to develop a richer prayer life:
"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Your name." ~ Here we admit God is above all else and His name will forever remain the holiest of names. Without Him, none of us would exist. Praise Him. Thank him for everything. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
"Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." ~ Here, we acknowledge that from the beginning of time, through the glorious time we live in heaven, nothing can happen unless it is His will.
"Give us this day our daily bread" ~ This is the part of proper prayer everyone seems to remember. The asking for our needs, or perceived needs to be met by God. Always remember God knows better what you need. He knows if something is beneficial to your growth or whether you are ready for it at that time.
"And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." ~ We must always ask for forgiveness of our sins. Whether we realize it or not, we commit sins each and every day. If someone betrays you and apologizes, then betrays you again, does the apology account for both offenses or just the first one? Not really. Why then do we assume if we ask for forgiveness from God, that it covers every offense we may commit in our lives? Jesus also tells us we must forgive our debtors, those who harm us, before God will forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15).
"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen." ~ God doesn't actually tempt us into sin, but He does allow temptation to happen. If there was no temptation, there would be no true free will. Here we are actually asking Him to give us the strength to overcome temptation (sent by Satan) in His name. At the end of the prayer, we are again praising Him and acknowledging His power over everything.
I have had many questions about prayer through the years. Some of them I have found answers to, while others remain elusive. I have listed ones I have found answers to below. If you have any other questions regarding prayer, let me know. I would love to find an answer and post it.
1. Why can't I pray as well as others? Does it mean they love God more?
~ Matthew 6:5 Jesus tells us, "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward."
2. What is vain repetition?
~ In Matthew 6:7, Jesus tells the masses, "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words." What Jesus means by vain repetition is the non-feeling droning on of memorized verses or prayers. God doesn't want that. He wants us to love Him. He wants us to communicate with Him because we want to, not because 'it's the thing to do' or because we are 'supposed to'. What we pray to God should be from our heart, not from memory or some
doctrinal rule.
3. Is it okay to pray to saints or others instead of God?
~ There is nowhere in the bible which suggests praying through any mediator other than Jesus.
~ Ephesians 6:18 states, "praying always with all
prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for the saints-" (italics mine) Notice it does not say to pray to the saints, but rather for.
~ 1 Timothy 2:5 "for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus."
My husband once told me of a priest he once knew who said to him about praying to saints,"why go through a middle man when you can go directly to the source."
4. How often should I pray? ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to, "pray without ceasing." This outright tells us we cannot pray too much or too often.
5. I don't need anything. What do I pray about?
~ Don't only pray when you want something. Think of it this way.... How would you feel if everyone you knew did nothing but ask you for things. If they never said thank you or even acknowledged you for anything you ever did or said. He wants us to share everything with Him, sorrows and joys. He wants to have the same relationship with us as He had with Enoch.
In short, pray unceasingly from your heart. Pray during good times and bad. Most importantly, pray to God.
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