Crying during prayer... anyone?

mashedbanana

I love to read my bible, I genuinely feel that is the only book we need. It tells us everything that we should & shouldn't do. I do my best to read it every day. I was raised a RC, but have since backed away from it, as I don't believe a lot of it's teachings. But I'm still Christian.

The thing is, when I pray, I cry! I can't help it! I try to pray the way I was told to (in my room, door closed, nice & private) Naturally I ask for understanding of the bible when I open it, and I ask the Lord to come sit with me while I pour my heart out. But the tears!!!! they just keep coming! this happens all the time, ESPECIALLY when giving thanks for all our blessings & gifts.

Does anyone else cry during prayer? Is it natural/normal behaviour? Why does it happen? Sometimes I feel so silly, sat on the bed sobbing!

mashedbanana

Emm...no! not joking! If there is anything I need to know about Christianity/praying/basically living a good life, this is the only book I go to. It gives me what I need, instructions on patience, love, kindness, a guide to 'how to be a good nice person, doing God's will''good wife & mother' etc.

If, on the other hand I need to know how to set the thermostat on the oil burner, then I'll refer to it's manual.
If, I need to change the washers on the taps, I'll fish out a DIY book.

TBH I'm not in the habit of joking around when it comes to my time spent with God, & reading the bible.

JimiTime

mashedbanana wrote: »

I love to read my bible, I genuinely feel that is the only book we need. It tells us everything that we should & shouldn't do. I do my best to read it every day. I was raised a RC, but have since backed away from it, as I don't believe a lot of it's teachings. But I'm still Christian.

The thing is, when I pray, I cry! I can't help it! I try to pray the way I was told to (in my room, door closed, nice & private) Naturally I ask for understanding of the bible when I open it, and I ask the Lord to come sit with me while I pour my heart out. But the tears!!!! they just keep coming! this happens all the time, ESPECIALLY when giving thanks for all our blessings & gifts.

Does anyone else cry during prayer? Is it natural/normal behaviour? Why does it happen? Sometimes I feel so silly, sat on the bed sobbing!

It happens a bit with me. I've put it down to my guilty conscience in the face of the light of the Gospel. Faithless stupidity is an odd thing. I believe whole heartedly in Christ, the good news of the kingdom etc, and yet I still haven't given my life over to him.

Benny_Cake

Dietsquirt wrote: »

Are you taking the piss?

Read the charter before posting here again.

Fanny Cradock

On rare occasions when I have been in solitude - a silent still moment -I've felt very emotional, even to the point of fighting back the tears. Rather then shame or guilt underpinning this feeling it usually stems from a deep sense of gratitude and wonder felt towards God. I wouldn't classify myself ans an emotional person so it comes as a surprise.

mashedbanana

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

On rare occasions when I have been in solitude - a silent still moment -I've felt very emotional, even to the point of fighting back the tears. Rather then shame or guilt underpinning this feeling it usually stems from a deep sense of gratitude and wonder felt towards God. I wouldn't classify myself ans an emotional person so it comes as a surprise.

Yes this is the same feeling that I get. I too, wouldn't be overly emotional. I'm not a teary sorta gal. ONLY when spending time with God. I feel very over whelmed at the greatness of it all. I was told once that it was the Holy spirit working on me. If that is the case then WOW! is all I can say!

:-)

JimiTime

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

On rare occasions when I have been in solitude - a silent still moment -I've felt very emotional, even to the point of fighting back the tears. Rather then shame or guilt underpinning this feeling it usually stems from a deep sense of gratitude and wonder felt towards God. I wouldn't classify myself ans an emotional person so it comes as a surprise.

I hope one day I'll get to that. I think I'm still being convicted at the moment.

JimiTime

mashedbanana wrote: »

Yes this is the same feeling that I get. I too, wouldn't be overly emotional. I'm not a teary sorta gal. ONLY when spending time with God. I feel very over whelmed at the greatness of it all. I was told once that it was the Holy spirit working on me. If that is the case then WOW! is all I can say!

:-)

I tend to shy away from putting it down to such things. It has crossed my mind, but for me, I would need more than that to say that I had encountered the Holy Spirit.

Albert E. Arkwright

mashedbanana wrote: »

I love to read my bible, I genuinely feel that is the only book we need. It tells us everything that we should & shouldn't do. I do my best to read it every day. I was raised a RC, but have since backed away from it, as I don't believe a lot of it's teachings. But I'm still Christian.

All RC teachings are supported by scripture. http://www.scripturecatholic.com/

sbsquarepants

mashedbanana wrote: »

I love to read my bible, I genuinely feel that is the only book we need. It tells us everything that we should & shouldn't do. I do my best to read it every day. I was raised a RC, but have since backed away from it, as I don't believe a lot of it's teachings. But I'm still Christian.!

Firstly i'm not a christian (just so as we're clear where i'm coming from) But i find this attitude absolutely bizzare. If you like reading the bible then by all means have at it, but the only book you need? Come on now - you're using a bloody computer for a start, do you think you'd have one of those in a world populated only by the "good" book? Have you never read another book, a school book even, watched a movie? One book, however much you like it is patently ridiculous!

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mashedbanana

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Firstly i'm not a christian (just so as we're clear where i'm coming from) But i find this attitude absolutely bizzare. If you like reading the bible then by all means have at it, but the only book you need? Come on now - you're using a bloody computer for a start, do you think you'd have one of those in a world populated only by the "good" book? Have you never read another book, a school book even, watched a movie? One book, however much you like it is patently ridiculous!

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already cleared up that question earlier on yesterday. Have a little look at some of the previous posts I wrote. (I meant... to do with my faith, it's the only book I need, might be different for others, I can only speak for myself though)

mashedbanana

Albert E. Arkwright wrote: »

All RC teachings are supported by scripture. http://www.scripturecatholic.com/

Well isn't that kinda off topic?

Regardless, I didn't come here to debate what the Bible says V's what the general public have been told to believe. I personally feel there is a lot of false doctrines in the RCC. But that a discussion for another day I suppose.

Back-up a bit....Do you too cry during sincere prayer (not lip service) ?

( I really have a longing to know how many out there experience this )

Fanny Cradock

mashedbanana wrote: »

already cleared up that question earlier on yesterday. Have a little look at some of the previous posts I wrote. (I meant... to do with my faith, it's the only book I need, might be different for others, I can only speak for myself though)

A couple of quick points.

Assuming we are just talking about religious instruction here, I would think that you are unnecessarily depriving yourself of riches by not exploring the thoughts of others. These books might not be Scripture, but at best they are mighty fine reading. For example, I think that you can gain a richer understanding about the Bible and its message by doing a little research into the history of Judaism. It really helps to contextualise what was going on. Some of Tom Wrights books like Simply Christian or Simply Jesus might offer you something that you didn't realise you were missing. Don Carson offers an excellent overview of the Bible here. PM me if you want more suggestions.

If you engage with the the works that surround Scripture the you will also be introduced to arguments that can strengthen your faith. Reasons to believe apart from what you might feel. What exactly do you think to yourself when a non-believer says to you that the Bible is "full of contradictions" and doesn't contain any mention of the trinity? What happens if you enter an emotionally "dry period" in terms of your faith? In this regard, I think that it might benefit you to engage with Christianity on an emotional and intellectual level.

Finally, if you aren't comfortable finding yourself within a Roman Catholic setting then OK. There are other Bible centred options out there. Finding somewhere that can encourage and nourish you is important.

sbsquarepants

mashedbanana wrote: »

already cleared up that question earlier on yesterday. Have a little look at some of the previous posts I wrote. (I meant... to do with my faith, it's the only book I need, might be different for others, I can only speak for myself though)

Sorry, my bad, i completely missed your second post!
Even so though, a slightly broader world view could only do you good i think!

martinedwards

Cry during prayer?

YES!

Not every time, but often when in personal prayer time, private worship, just me and my guitar, or in Prayer meeting when we get all charismatic.

an outpouring of emotion meeting your loving father?

sure!!

mashedbanana

martinedwards wrote: »

Cry during prayer?

YES!

Not every time, but often when in personal prayer time, private worship, just me and my guitar, or in Prayer meeting when we get all charismatic.

an outpouring of emotion meeting your loving father?

sure!!

FAntastic!!!!! It's 'normal' so! Great feeling isn't it? :-)

jonniebgood1

mashedbanana wrote: »

FAntastic!!!!! It's 'normal' so! Great feeling isn't it? :-)

I do not think you would have asked the question if you thought it was normal.
An earlier poster suggested you broaden your mind. You should heed opinions that challenge your world view as well as those which match it, such as that suggestion. I would suggest that there are other reasons why you cry as stated in op. this is not to imply that it is an unhealthy thing, rather that it is perhaps either an outlet or reflection on your upbringing (as in a reflection of values as taught to you in childhood).

Manach

Within the Catholic tradition there are numerous reactions to the act of prayer as evidence by the lives of adherents to the faith and this might act as a guide. As well, the Jesuits seem to have a more structured mode of worship which might be of assistance in putting prayer in context.

martinedwards

christianity is a lot bigger than conservative Roman Catholicism.

I have worshipped and prayed with some Belfast Catholics who were VERY Charismatic and full of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and praying with them was a really emotional time on many levels.

crying in Prayer may not be essential, desired, or (in some circles) accepted, but millions of us, in many denominations (including branches of Catholicism), do it a fair old bit of the time!

J C

mashedbanana wrote: »

Does anyone else cry during prayer? Is it natural/normal behaviour? Why does it happen? Sometimes I feel so silly, sat on the bed sobbing!

It is quite OK (and normal) to cry during really intense prayer. As you get closer to God you start sharing His sadness at the ingratitude of Fallen Humanity and its self-destructive embrace with sin. Some people also cry with elation in the close presence of God and the magnificence of His Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ Himself is also said to have prayed in great anguish - because of sin - and the inordinate degree of suffering He would have to undergo to atone for it.
Lk 22:39-44
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.