How Do You Pray?

Prayer is at the core of our relationship with God. It's how we communicate and commune with him. More simply stated it's how we talk to God and visit with him. On a grander note it's how we come into the presence of the Almighty Creator of the universe. Do we fall on our knees and tremble, do we stride in boldly, do we chit-chat about our day, vent our frustrations, pour out our heart, sing for joy?? Yes, we do all of these things. But how, in what form or manner, should our prayers be adressed to God?? Some of you come from backgrounds and traditions that emphasize formal prayer. That is "official" prayers written by others that you would pray alone or corporately in public worship. There are many benefits to this type of prayer. First off it gives you an example to follow. This is what the disciples wanted when they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.That prayer,The Lord's Prayer,Matthew 6:9-13, is probably one of the first prayers you learned,perhaps just after Now I lay me down to sleep . It may be the only formal prayer you know. Secondly, there are times when words fail us due to grief,illness or we just plain don't feel like praying though we know we should. This is an excellent time to use formal prayers, they give you an anchor and help you maintain the discipline of daily prayer. Third, the prayers of others bring to our hearts and minds new ways of looking at things and new ideas. They also help us to realize how very much alike we all are in our need for God. Praying these prayers affirms the communion of the saints. One caution though, it's easy to tune out when saying formal prayers. To mumble through the words, a rote repetition of so many high sounding but meaningless words. You must make these prayers your own. Substitute "I", "me" and "my", for "we", "us" and "our" when praying alone. If a phrase of the prayer strikes a chord within you don't rush on to finish but take a moment to linger over that word or phrase, ponder, wonder, add a few of your own thoughts and words. Just as the Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath, so formal prayer is made to help us enter into the presence of God, not carry out a vain repetition of antiquated words and ideas. Finally, many of these prayers are astoundingly beautiful and will lift your soul and spirit to the sublime.