Prayer: Some thoughts on Prayer

It seems that everyone has advice on How to Pray.  There are hundreds of books, thousands of sermons and radio programs all devoted to prayer.  So why am I writing a post on How to pray? Good question! Well, this post is shorter. But, consistent with the original purpose of the blog,  putting my beliefs in writing helps me to solidify them in my mind. If someone benefits from my personal insight that is an extra bonus.

Mom, Let's talk!

The most important part of prayer is the nature of the person to whom you are praying.  The previous post addressed that issue.  Personally, I am more comfortable praying to a loving Parent than to the exalted creator and Lord of the Universe. Either is acceptable and I support both positions.  But I prefer the first.

So I talk to God as I would talk to my Father or to a good Friend.  I do not use churchly language, there are no "thee's and thou's" in my prayers. And I

Prayer: To whom are you praying?

To Whom are you Praying?

Prayer is such personnel things that it has been hard for me begin writing an article attempting to define or explain or even instruct someone on the subject. We are confronted with a huge variation in prayer types and practices. There are very formal prayers associated with Church rituals such as communion or marriage or funerals. There are free form prayers offered by ministers and worship leaders; silent prayers, prayers in music and prayers offered by individuals. Prayers by individuals may be long or short, rote or free form. There seem to be as many methods and forms of prayer as there are people making the prayer. And there seems to be no end to the books written to explain prayer and offer suggestions for a “meaningful prayer life”.

Preview of thoughts for upcoming Posts

Prayer

I wonder??

I thought that Prayer would be the easiest of all aspects of Christianity to discuss. Certainly, as Christians we all pray.  There are numerous  scriptures relating to prayer. If we are not praying, certainly, we are in the presence of those who are praying whether prior to a meal or prior to a church meeting or from the pulpit at our church. People pray at the opening of the US Congress, at State events and until lately at the beginning of athletic events.

There are a lot of books on prayer.  I have been reading one lately titled,