How to pray?

Killaqueen!!!

This is so embarrassing and you must think I'm a terrible person but..I don't know how to pray. I've talked to God before, of course, but I feel stupid because I feel like I'm wasting his time by not praying 'properly'. When I pray, I just kind of talk..well normally, if you get me. As if I'm talking to a friend. Of course, I don't say 'Howrya God, are ye alri?' or anything like that.
Is there any particular prayers that I can say? I know the 'our father...' one. Am I supposed to talk like that when I talk to God? You know, all the "art"s and "thy"s etc.

BrianCalgary

Just keep doing what you are doing. There is something so refreshing about a new Christian praying, they just talk and forego the lingo.

God is my friend, I talk to Him as such.

My only advice is that you take a quiet time and go to a quiet place and listen for Gods 'voice'.

The Lords Prayer is a great model on prayer:

Acknowledge God.
Acknowledge desire to do His will.
Give thanks for what you have.
Remember to forgive those who have harmed you.
Ask for forgiveness.
Ask to be kept from temptation and deliverence from evil.

Listen for God's solutions to the problems of sin and temptation. Listen for His instructions as to where you are to go and do.

The above is a guideline. I try and be constantly talking to God throughout the day. But being a man, do I listen?:D

Chopper

Hi Killa,

I would suggest that you pick up a copy of 'Getting in the Gap' by Dr. Wayne Dyer. In it he uses the 'our father...' prayer to introduce the reader to a simple meditation technique. It's a short book which also comes with an audio CD.

You'll find it in most Mind-Body-Spirit bookshops. I got my copy in the LifeChanges bookstore in Blackrock Shopping Centre. Also available online from Amazon.

Good luck,
Chopper.

BrianCalgary

Hey Killa

Careful on Dr Wayne Dyer. He doesn't appear to be a Christian and is into the new age type of meditation. Who knows what god you would end up getting in touch with.

Nevyn

Oh I had tought most christians didn't acknowledge the possiblity of there being other gods ?

Chopper

BrianCalgary wrote:

He doesn't appear to be a Christian and is into the new age type of meditation.

Does person does have to be "Christian" in order to be a good teacher.?
I recommended the book specifically since it is easy to follow and uses The Lords Prayer as a basis for meditating. (Killaqueen mentioned that this is the prayer she uses)

Meditation is just one way to pray; and there are may resources out there like this Catholic one



If I were only allowed to have one book on meditation it would be this one.
Meditation by Eknath Easwaran - in it he recommends using The Prayer of Saint Francis as a good starting point for meditation.

BrianCalgary wrote:

Who knows what god you would end up getting in touch with.

I'll take that as a joke..... har har...

Dyer, a "popular American self-help advocate", according to Wikipedia has become more spiritual in his recent books. He has always been able to relate his experiences in a way that is very easily accessable for Christians. Perhaps this is why he is so popular in the US.

Nevyn

You just but you lips together and blo....

no wait that is whisting.

I would say that pray is communing and communicating with your God.
Simple and as easy as that.
If God is your friend more then your friend your family who's love for you has no bounds or boundaries other then those you make why would you hesitate to talk to your God, tell God your worries and fears and hopes and dreams and ask for help every now and then or just being able like to any friend vent if you need to.

I am reminded of the scene in the film/book The Mammy where on the way into work the woman strides into the church blesses herself with the holy water and simply says " Hello God, tis me Marion." and then leaves.

Prayer can be that simple that direct and that beautiful.

All it takes is a small time out to acknowledge your God's presence in your life.

babyvaio

Killaqueen!!! wrote:

This is so embarrassing and you must think I'm a terrible person but..I don't know how to pray. I've talked to God before, of course, but I feel stupid because I feel like I'm wasting his time by not praying 'properly'. When I pray, I just kind of talk..well normally, if you get me. As if I'm talking to a friend. Of course, I don't say 'Howrya God, are ye alri?' or anything like that.
Is there any particular prayers that I can say? I know the 'our father...' one. Am I supposed to talk like that when I talk to God? You know, all the "art"s and "thy"s etc.

I think there's a big difference between a prayer and an invocation. The way you described it, it must be an invocation. You didn't specify your faith, but I presume you're a Christian cos you posted the question in Christianity subforum. A prayer has been defined by God. Also the times of the prayer. Also the place of the prayer. So i.e. one cannot pray in a toilet, or one cannot invent ones prayer and its form, however you can always invoke God the way it's easy for you. I have to say that - like you already mentioned - (and I'll just rephrase it a bit) there must be certain feelings present in the prayer/invocation like:

1. - fear of God
2. - humbleness
3. - hope
4. - etc.

I hope that helps. The best invocation there is - in my opinion - is the one in my signature.

Excelsior

Prayer is honest communication with God. All kinds of methods can be developed. I find the Our Father, just saying it, no New Age additions is a great starter. I pray that God's Kingdom would come in the world, in my work, in my marriage, in my family, in my friends, in my heart. I expand out the clauses of the prayer to apply to my life.

Sometimes people find praying through the work of Christian mystics helpful. I have just finished a lovely book of writings by St Theresa of Avila that would be great to get praying.

Other prayer books can be useful. There is a famous and popular Catholic one (if that is your denomination) called Glenstal Book of Prayer. I know my sister adores that book. Because I am a Reformed Christian, I have a book of old Puritan prayers from the 16th Century that I read through and a collection of prayers from the Orthodox Church Fathers from the 4th Century.

Alternatively, get out the Psalms and read through them. They are the richest, most profound source of prayer we have, I guess. These are all just methods to serve as a platform for the real substance of prayer which takes place when I speak in my own words to God. I also try to leave time to hear what God has to say back to me. I often go running so that I won't be distracted by phone or email or people during that time.

Experiment. Don't stray from your focus on communicating with Jesus but try lots of different ways. I have lots of different kinds of conversations with my wife and my friends. I think it is right I should have different ways of relating to God.

But don't give up!

BrianCalgary

Thaedydal wrote:

Oh I had tought most christians didn't acknowledge the possiblity of there being other gods ?

There are most definitely other gods. A god is someone or something a person chooses to worship. Satan becomes a god to some, demons becomes like gods to others. Material goods become worship items for others.

Regardless, other gods are put into those positions by people.

Tabnabs

babyvaio wrote:

there must be certain feelings present in the prayer/invocation like:

1. - fear of God
2. - humbleness
3. - hope
4. - etc.

Wow, fear of God is a must in a prayer / invocation?

Why would you fear someone/something unless they meant you harm? I don't fear my mother or father, my girlfriend or my friends. Why would I fear my God?

I would have thought that love and perhaps honour rather than worship would be close to the top of the list, along with thanks and probably forgiveness? But I'm genuinely shocked to see fear anywhere on a list especially right at the number one position :eek:

BrianCalgary

Chopper wrote:

Does person does have to be "Christian" in order to be a good teacher.?
I recommended the book specifically since it is easy to follow and uses The Lords Prayer as a basis for meditating. (Killaqueen mentioned that this is the prayer she uses)

Meditation is just one way to pray; and there are may resources out there like this Catholic one



If I were only allowed to have one book on meditation it would be this one.
Meditation by Eknath Easwaran - in it he recommends using The Prayer of Saint Francis as a good starting point for meditation..

That is all fine and good, but one has to be careful where ones prayers are directed. That is the warning.

Prayer is communication with God. Talking to Him and listening to Him. In the quiet of the morning or evening, in the midst of a noisy crowd. In a group or on your own.

Chopper wrote:

I'll take that as a joke..... har har...

Dyer, a "popular American self-help advocate", according to Wikipedia has become more spiritual in his recent books. He has always been able to relate his experiences in a way that is very easily accessable for Christians. Perhaps this is why he is so popular in the US.

No joke, beware the wolf in sheeps clothing. I am very serious about it. When reading a book on prayer by someone who is a non-Christian it is quite reasonable and fair to ask; who are you trying to connect with, through your technique?

I don't really put much stock in what wikipedia says. Maybe he is able to relate his experiences, that is great, but the warning still stands, who are you communicating with?

Nevyn

I think that is a very fair stand point.
I don't pray to my gods in a christian church.
When I am in a church I will be respectful and take a moment to poilitly acknowledge that god there but I would not join thier the prayers nor would I start to connect into the place of christain worship.

Same way I don't sticking a statue of mary or a cross on top of an acient sacred site or well makes it christain.

Where and how you pray does make a difference.

babyvaio

Dyflin wrote:

Wow, fear of God is a must in a prayer / invocation?

Why would you fear someone/something unless they meant you harm? I don't fear my mother or father, my girlfriend or my friends. Why would I fear my God?

I would have thought that love and perhaps honour rather than worship would be close to the top of the list, along with thanks and probably forgiveness? But I'm genuinely shocked to see fear anywhere on a list especially right at the number one position :eek:

Are you so sure you have no sins whatsoever and that God will forgive you?
That's one good reason. Read these verses if you like.

PS Would you be afraid of a violent person with a gun who's threatening to kill you and you wouldn't be afraid of your Creator? I mean, that violent person can only kill you, but God can put you in Hell for Eternity, and no death will come there, and also you cannot call that living, so which one is easier pain of the two?

Surah/Chapter 067 - Al-Mulk. Verse 12.

English Translation (The Noble Qur'an)
Lo! those who fear their Lord in secret, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward.

Surah/Chapter 055 - Ar-Rahmân. Verse 46.

English Translation (The Noble Qur'an)
But for him who feareth the standing before his Lord there are two gardens.

Surah/Chapter 098 - Al-Baiyinah. Verse 8.

English Translation (The Noble Qur'an)
Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow, wherein they dwell for ever. Allah hath pleasure in them and they have pleasure in Him. This is (in store) for him who feareth his Lord.

Killaqueen!!!

Thanks for all your replies. When I am praying I feel like I am talking to nobody...I know that God is listening but I just don't feel the 'connection' that other people say they feel. Maybe I should try the meditation book suggested because I never really meditate before praying.

Oh and I definitely believe in the fear of God. I'm fear Him very much because I know He can put me in hell for eternity..and I sort of know that He will.

Thaedydal wrote:

Oh I had tought most christians didn't acknowledge the possiblity of there being other gods ?

Off topic. Aren't members who talk off topic banned? Sorry couldn't resist being cheeky about that, as I always read your posts saying somebody is off topic.

robindch

> When I am praying I feel like I am talking to nobody...

Have you considered the possibility that there might be nobody there to talk to?

> I'm fear Him very much because I know He can put me in hell for eternity.

And where did you learn that fear? Who put it into you?

neuro-praxis

robindch, it really is outrageous that someone would ask for advice on prayer and you are the voice to suggest that perhaps God doesn't exist. Have you read the charter? Anyone who has ever been on a journey of faith has without doubt wondered if perhaps God was not there.

Why not take up your challenge in the philosophy forum instead of here?

OP, I have always understood that to "fear" God means to have an awed respect for Him; a reverent understanding of who He is. Not literally quaking in your boots.

And if you are in relationship with Him, and repent for the sin in your life (as is in all of our lives), then there is defintely no hell to fear.

BrianCalgary

Well said neuro.

To the Op: We all go through periods were it doesn't seem like God is listening. I assure you though that He is and He hears every word you utter and every thought you think.

Nevyn

Killaqueen!!! wrote:

Thanks for all your replies. When I am praying I feel like I am talking to nobody...I know that God is listening but I just don't feel the 'connection' that other people say they feel. Maybe I should try the meditation book suggested because I never really meditate before praying.

Hopefully there will come a day when you can feel that connection and when you pray you will feel your gods love and grace.

You have to learn to listen too.

Somedays for me it is prayer, somedays it is a chat other days it is an arguement, being able to connect to your got can be one of those becareful what you wish for things.

Pray in whatever form has many good values.

Killaqueen!!! wrote:

Off topic. Aren't members who talk off topic banned? Sorry couldn't resist being cheeky about that, as I always read your posts saying somebody is off topic.

This isn't a forum that I mod so
I am the same as any other poster here and the rules for this forum are sligthly different then in PI.
But if I get over the line here I expect to be warned and admonished by the mods the same as anyone else.
Tough I can't quite see Brian stooping to give me a spanking

BrianCalgary

Thaedydal wrote:

Tough I can't quite see Brian stooping to give me a spanking

No Spanking forthcoming. Since I raised the topic.:o

I think that is what I like about these boards is that we can be humourous and ask questions. and still have a group hug afterward.

robindch

> robindch, it really is outrageous that someone would ask for advice on
> prayer and you are the voice to suggest that perhaps God doesn't exist.

Please read my message. I have not -- heaven forfend! -- suggested that deities do not exist.

The OP had mentioned that "I feel like I am talking to nobody" and I asked if the OP had considered a simple possibility that would explain quite adequately why the OP might feel this. This is a question and not a direct suggestion.

I also note that my question remains unanswered (by everybody)

Nevyn

It could be that they are praying to the wrong deity, that is the wrong one for them.

BrianCalgary

robindch wrote:

Have you considered the possibility that there might be nobody there to talk to?

Ahh Robin, there are times on this board when we lament when a question goes unanswered. Is it because no one is there, or it has been forgotten, or ignored?

Then it is answered, someone is reading.

As it is with God. He is listening, He has not forgotten, He is not ignoring, then all of a sudden: an answer.

Nevyn

Hang on a sec, I think I feel sligthly used and I am not sure by who....

/me shudders at being a sock puppet to deity.

Y'know I would rarely read this board and have only started to again over the last few days,
hmmm there must have been a reason.

I did start out my spiritual journey in this life as a christain and perused it to the point of being a minster of the euchrist not just for the parish I resided in but on the books for two others close to where I lived.

I did have a connection to that God, I took the time to research, discover and question and in the end said with all due respect to that diety sorry this is not the way for me.

Christiany has many wonderful aspects to it.
I think it is wonderful when you meet a person and thier religion spiritualiy lights them up inside and makes them complete and effect thier life in many ways.
Christianty didnt do that for me but it has for memebers of my family and many people I know and I am happy for them but thier ways are not mine.

It took a very long time for me to identify personally as pagan, I had already developed a connection to my Goddess before that but to admit to myself that I was infact Pagan took a long time.

I think we sould search and seek and question Killaqueen!!! I hope you find the connection to the devine that you are looking for and my it enrich you and your life with your experinces you will have as you travel until you find it or it finds you.

This path may lead you away from your current faith or the faith you were brougth up in, it may also lead you back renewed with a new outlook.
May your path bring goodness into your life and the lives of those it touches.

neuro-praxis

robindch you are simply splitting hairs. Don't be bloody underhanded now - your initial post was certainly upfront enough.

Talliesin

robindch.

There is a considerable difference between suggesting the poster needs to explore their faith more or consider their doubts - as I personally think everyone who's serious about their religion does, whatever the faith, and just saying "well, maybe there isn't a god".

The OP is clearly asking this question from the point of view of a Christian having questions about a particular aspect of their faith and while those of us of differing opinions can answer the OPs question as best we can or engage in the discussion it started, doing so in a way that respects the OPs position is not only a decent way to engage with people, but required by the rules of the religions forums.

I don't have much to say on the actual question myself right now, except that the '"art"s and "thy"' the OP mentioned are just how English used to be at the beginning of Modern English and still found in some dialects - they aren't special words in any way, and if you're not clear on just what the difference is between "thy", "thine", "thou" and "ye" probably best avoided.

robindch

> you are simply splitting hairs.

From which comment I assume that you now agree that I was playing within the rules and that your own first reply was out of order? If so, then, no problem -- I forgive you too!

Although, I must still note (in a charter-compliant manner, of course) that nobody has answered my question yet. Even if a few have been brave enough to venture opinions about some other things

Nevyn

I did answer your question in relation to the op's post.
If you want someone to engauge with you on the matter of do any diety exist at all and explore the possiblity that they don't then I suggest you try agnostic/athiest forum.

robindch

Crossed posting!

> doing so in a way that respects the OPs position

Erm, I am respecting the OP's position. That's why I asked the question through not one, but two, levels of subjunction.

Perhaps this alleged offence against taste caused by asking this provocative question could be cleared up by the OP letting us know whether he/she actually was offended? If so, then I will happily withdraw my question, apologise to all concerned for my presumption, and not ask it again!

neuro-praxis

robindch wrote:

I assume that you now agree that I was playing within the rules and that your own first reply was out of order? If so, then, no problem -- I forgive you too!

Of course I don't agree. You were not playing within any rules - you acted without regard for the charter and without any respect for the beliefs of the OP. My own reply was entirely in order, but I'm delighted to know I'm in your good books.

This is the last post from me on this topic. I do not understand why there is a charter if the moderators are not willing to uphold it.

Nevyn

ffs Neuro use the report post function mods have lives you know.
Hopefully the thread will be split and moved.

ferdi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7UowN4raUs

babyvaio

Pray as you have seen me pray

Killaqueen!!!

robindch wrote:

> When I am praying I feel like I am talking to nobody...

Have you considered the possibility that there might be nobody there to talk to?

I think everybody has considered that possibility. But I believe in the Lord, my God - and the only God there is.

> I'm fear Him very much because I know He can put me in hell for eternity.

And where did you learn that fear? Who put it into you?

I dunno..I don't think anybody put that fear in me. It just makes sense. I sin everyday so it is natural to fear God cos he will be pretty pissed off with me when I die. But, in reply to somone elses post who said I shouldnt be shaking in my shoes; I'm not. But I will be when I die.

Anyway, that's another discussion. And for those saying that maybe I am praying to another deity - that is not possible as there is only one true God, the Lord my rock.

babyvaio wrote:

Pray as you have seen me pray

And don't mean to be rude but I not a Muslim.