Published by Praying is how we talk to God. Knowing when to pray is easy. He always wants to hear from us and is always ready to bless us with the things we need, though not always the things we want. God wants to have a relationship with every one of His children, but sometimes starting that relationship can be hard. It gets harder when a person is self conscious about their prayers. A person’s prayers will grow over time, but here are some basics for helping people get started.
First adress God. When I first started praying I almost stopped simply because I didn’t do this step. When I speak to people in my life it’s not uncommon for me to look them in the eye and to call them by name. This reassures me that they are listening. I may not be able to look God in the eye, but adressing Him by name or title or even as Father helps me feel less like I am talking to a wall or myself, and more like I am being heard by Him.
Second, say thank you. In the beginning I often only prayed in case of emergency. I would beg the Lord to fix whatever I had broken and only work myself up more as I thought of how impossible it was to make things right. Showing gratitude works in two ways. Like any relationship it’s nice for God to here thanks for blessings He gives or creations we enjoy. It also serves as a reminder for us that we are talking to someone who created everything. He knows us personally. If He knows when to send me a stray cat to help me feel better, He knows what He’s doing in all other situations in my life.
Next we ask God for the things that we need. This step comes with a warning. Sometimes (in fact most the time) God will ask us to do something or give up something to change our life. When asking God for blessings be prepared to take on whatever life quest God asks of you to receive the blessing. Asking for what we need also shows God our humility and trust in Him. He already knows what we need. He knows everything. We are the ones that need to acknowledge we need Him in our lives. This also a good time to pray for other people and their needs.
Last close the prayer in the name of Christ and with amen. This does many things for us. It reminds us of the extent God will go to just to have a relationship with us. That is the most important thing. It also defines when the prayer is done. This enables you to define when your talking to yourself and when you are talking to God.
Your confidence in prayer will grow the more you practice and so will your relationship with God. Enjoy your new best friend.
I was in a situation recently where the next person needed a certain ticket we both were trying for; I watched him pray for it humbly, but I the atheist recieved the number one ticket. What does that tell you about mysticism, and superstition?
It tells me what I already know. God isn’t always going to say yes. And He won’t always say no either.