True prayer

apocatastasis · King of the Jungle Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1827

What is prayer? Many Christians think of prayer as a petition before God. They might pray for God to cure them and other people of illness. They might pray for that they will get the job they want. They may pray for the safety of their loved ones. In short, they believe that their prayer may have the power to change or shape God's plan. Jesus, however, speaks of prayer in much different terms:

"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." - Luke 11:1-4

Thy kingdom come

Prayer is properly based on the acceptance of God's rule. To pray is yield ourselves to God and still our thoughts so that we might hear the Silent Word deep within.

Thy will be done

Jesus doesn't speak of prayer in terms of asking God to adjust His will in order to accomodate us and those we pray for. To the contrary, prayer is predicated on accepting God's eternal decree.

Even the word 'amen' is an expression of acceptance of the Truth. Let it be. It is so. So be it!
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"Overcome anger by love. Overcome evil by good. Overcome the miser by giving. Overcome the liar by truth."

rjustice7 · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:06 am Post subject: That's a good thought.

I believe that prayer is all about having a relationship with God. If I never talked to my family, then it would cause problems. Also, I wouldn’t know anything about them anymore. I believe it is important to keep that closeness to God. We must draw nigh unto Him, as it says in James 4:8. I definitely agree Apoc. We should listen for God’s voice; we should commune with Him. It’s not just about getting an answer from God, it’s about having a relationship with Him. How else are we to hear that voice unless we speak to Him?