February 09--A different kind of prayer
I'm not sure how to pray. I hear pastors pray--they do it so well. It seems like they know what to say. I will admit, though, that when they pray in church, they get really long and boring. I feel kind of bad thinking this way but it's true. Judging by what I hear in church, I guess prayers are supposed to be long and theological. I guess we're supposed to use really big words to describe God and to let him know what's going on down here. I guess that when we agree with something that someone prays, we're supposed to make some sort of noise to let others know that we agree or that what was just prayed was really significant.
When it comes to prayer--I'm really confused by something else. Why do we spend prayer time telling God what is happening down here. For example, "God, you know that I have a test coming up." or "God, Johnny is really really sick." Is it possible that God is scratching His head wondering what's happening down here and wishing that we would pray and let him know?
Is there a specific equation to prayer that is a good prayer and other ones aren't? Is there a certain time and place and posture in which to pray? Is it praying if I am simply walking downtown and talking with God? Can I just talk with God?
In the text, prayer seems to be something pretty important.
Can you find the times in the text where Jesus prays?
(Matthew 19:13; Matthew 26:36; Mark 1:35; Mark 14:32; Luke 3:21; Luke 5:16; Luke 5:33; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18; Luke 9:28; Luke 11:1; Luke 18:1; Luke 22:39; John 17:1; John 17:6; John 17:20; John 18:1)
What do you think His prayers were like?
When you pray--what are your prayers like?
What role does posture play in prayer?
Read Matthew 6:5-15.
What are the points that Jesus is making about prayer in this text?
Could you ever pray a prayer like this?
"God, I don't love you and I don't love people. I can't. I'm not capable of it. But you are. So, I would like to trade my inablity to love with your ability to love. Amen."
posted by 209 Staff @ 2:07 PM
5 Comments:
I know exactly what this is saying. Being a leader, sometimes I feel like I should be praying with more [umph!] and passion than I usually do. But everyone prays how they are supposed to. Some people just have a naturel gift with words and others just get clear cut straight to the point and both are a great thing. I admire the people who can use such passion in their words to talk to God and sometimes I have it and most times I dont. But its however I, or anyone else is talking to God and letting him hear you. He already knows what is on your hearts so no matter how you say it, he hears you twice. :-)
yea....i feel like when i am praying outloud or with a group that i am being judged on what i am saying, whether my vocab is large enough or whatever....when i pray outloud i really try to just focus on god and what i want to tell him...but the impression i feel like i need to make is a hinderence.
The prayers that I feel are the most "real" are the ones I pray when I am by myself. There's no temptation to "send a message" or a feeling that my words must be super eloquent. When I'm by myself I can just talk to God however it comes out. He knows already what I'm going to say and understands my prayer even when I don't. I like that Jesus said that we should go into our room and close the door when we pray, rather than pray at the "street corner like the hypocrytes". Posture doesn't matter to me, really. I pray standing up, sitting down, walking at the beach, sometimes even when I write e-mail to someone.
Is there really an equation? Sometimes you don't have to pray the same way everyday. There are some times where you need to pray different things. Think about GOD and what he's done for you and thank him. Sometimes it's akward to pray. If you need to pray outloud, do it! Nobody cares! Do what you feel. Don't think about what other people will think. Pray what you think would be best to pray fir you and GODs' life. Sometimes you are not good at praying. I don't think GOD cares how you pray, as long as you do some form of it. GOD accepts you for who you are and he will accept how you pray. Sometimes GOD won't answer right away, but he will answer, be sure of that. Here is a challenge: maybe make a list of prayers for your group. Make copies and keep it safe and in ten years or twenty years, look at it again and check off what you think God has done in your life. God works in mysterious ways and he doesnt answer prayers right away. Most are long term so this could be a good way to keep track of your prayers that you wouldnt normally see in your everyday life.
We dont feel like you should be required to pray at a certain time, you should pray whenever you feel lead to.
Posture: God is everywhere so you could pray anywhere. -Emily
Remi is laying on the couch saying the Lord's prayer with her head laying over the side. Cailtin is laying on the floor and Emily and Liz are sitting together with their legs on the couch.
Anyone can pray wherever they are, whether you are driving, laying, or sitting or standing, however you are lead to pray, do it.
You dont have to change how you are for people to like you so you shouldnt have to change how you pray for God to hear you. but sometimes it is respectful to be in a certain good posture like in a chair when you are around certain people.
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