So many prayers...what to say?

JMCD

Hello. Before bed and sometimes in the morning when I get up I make sure I say some prayers, the trouble is there are so many prayers out there I dont know what ones to say?

And sometimes when I get into bed I realise I forgot a prayer I have to get back out of bed and say some more prayers.:rolleyes: Sometimes a couple of prayers turns into a 45 minute sermon!:eek:

So Im just wondering what prayers should be said? I know it might seem like something simple to most of you guys but (and I know this sounds silly) but I kind of get anxious! So any help...........Thanks!:)

PDN

Rather than following formulaic prayers, why not try just talking to God about whatever is on your heart?

ynotdu

as an agnostic i feel as if i am butting in here a bit:o

This moderator agrees. Rest of the post deleted since the OP has asked a question in the Christianity forum. If they want an agnostic answer I'm sure they can post the same question in the A&A forum.

philologos

OP: You can say whatever written prayer you want, but I find it is far more effective to speak with God as if He is someone who understands me and I would speak to Him as if He is a person involved in my life.

I read an interesting verse in Exodus recently:

Exodus 33:11 wrote:

Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

I have occasionally looked into prayer books, and sometimes I pray Biblical prayers based on parts of the Psalms. However, I find it much more effective to speak to God in a straight manner.

Fanny Cradock

I would agree with the consensus. I don't think that you would call any relationship personal or intimate if each time you spoke to that person it was by the book or through repetitions. Consider Matthew 6:7 - And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Slav

I do not agree with the consensus. One does not exclude the other.

I would not underestimate "formulaic" prayers; after all when Christ's disciples asked Him how to pray He gave them the formulaic prayer.

If a respectful member of the Church put well something then why not reuse it?

So at very least I would include "Our Father" in both morning and evening prayers. Everything else probably depends on your denomination as many have composed the recommended sets of morning and evening prayers.

Also I would recommend OP read the prayers from a book or paper sheet even if you remember them very well. Doing it this way is easier for most people as it helps concentrating on the prayer and not the things like what's the next clause of the prayer, what's the next prayer on the list, etc.

philologos

Slav, I think if people want to pray formulaic prayers it is fine. I personally include Shema Y'Israel (Deuteronomy 6:1-4) and the Lord's Prayer in mine, and I speak to God on a personal level too.