Advice on prayer?

[Rapidmc]

Having never been brought up around religion and not really having spent a lot of time around church before I quit going I feel like I never really learned how to pray. I don't know what to say or what not to say. I guess in a way I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing. Any pointers anybody?

[skippy740]

It's IMPOSSIBLE to say the wrong thing in a heart-felt prayer to our Father in Heaven.

While there is a proper "format" to prayer, don't let it stop you from praying from your heart.

The "traditional format" of prayer is like writing a letter:

"Dear Heavenly Father" (addressing who you want your prayer to go to)

"We thank thee..." Thanking for blessings is good to show gratitude.

"We ask thee..." Ask for what you and others stand in need of.

"In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

You'll also notice that we use a lot of "thee, thy, and thou" in our prayers. It shows more reverence to the Supreme Being over You, My, Yours. Don't worry about getting the hang of it as it's a little tougher to get used to.

Hope this helps some!

[Therauh]

I think it's a little different for everyone.

I took note of the way Jesus said to do it in the bible.

Mattew 6:5-8

5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

---------------------------------

Jesus then prayed in the format mentioned above as an example.

I tried the closet a few times but I've had better results just making sure everyone was in bed or not around.Poor out your heart and mean it and cry if you need to.Then be queit and know that God is there and then listen really hard.Thats the hardest part.

Some say out loud some say silent

Do whatever feels right to you he will hear either way.

That seems to work for me

[jayanna]

Those are really great suggestions above me...I just want you to know that when I first investigated, I didn't know how to pray either...the elders had to teach me, but they didn't laugh or make fun at all, they were very serious. I practiced at dinner with my kids, and with the elders, I told them to let people know not to ask me to pray quite yet at church, b/c I wasn't ready for a little while.

Now, I can do it alright, I have even been learning how to do it in Spanish, since we have a few Spanish speaking members now! Being sincere is the most important part, the Lord is very patient.