Bassmasa

It seems like a novice question, but I would like some insight into how others pray effectively. I don't mean "how do you get the best results" in terms of material things, but how do pray and feel the strongest connection with God? Personally, I praise God during the beginning and thank him for my blessings, then kind of tell Him about my day and my struggles, then make the "requests". At the end, and this is tough for me, but I try to just be still and listen.

Sometimes, I feel like He's sitting right next to me. Other times, usually when I'm not studying or praying enough, I feel like no one is listening on the other end.

So what works best for others?

Banarenth

The most effective prayers I have ever experienced myself were always very, very simple. In particular, my prayers tend to be that I will want, think, or act as Jesus would, or as God wants me to. Sometimes I pray for a lot more and just talk for a long, long time, but I think that is more of a feeling of inadequacy on my part, and not what is truely best.

I think, that we need to learn to talk to God, but not whine or beg.

steveh53

This is going to seem wierd but I do my best praying when I am alone and either Cross Country Skiing or riding my Bicycle. The rest of the world disappears and I am in another world so to speak and I have what could be considered to be conversations with God. I thank Him for my health and the ability to work and play hard. I confess my sins, ask for forgiveness, and ask Him what I should do in the future. When I do these two activities I seem to be able to let go of my pride easier, and no topic is taboo. Mostly I pray for wisdom, patience, and a greater faith.

Steve

gibby

I have recently started a prayer journal to help me keep track of what I am praying. I find that I have alot to pray about and then end up forgetting half of them. Hopefully the journal will help with this.

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Pastor Gary

On the technical side of praying, many go through an actual ritual in prayer in setting up a time and a place and rehearse what is said, time and time again.

God is Our Father - just talk with Him as you would your biological father. He hears, he understands and if it is His will, He will answer; but on His time schedule and under His terms... after all, He knows what's in your heart and will do what He feels is best under your set of circumstances.

Please review 1 Corrinthians 10:13 (KJV) and remember that if your prayers are not answered right away, there are no burdens in your own life that everyone else has not felt as well. Prayer is a cornerstone of our Faith and prayer is our telephone line to God. Use it wisely.

gibby

Do you ever feel as though your prayers bounce off the ceiling? If so, does God answer those prayers? Sometimes I pray just out of the discipline of it; even when I don't feel like it. That is usually when they bounce off the ceiling.

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Bassmasa

I do feel like that sometimes, it's one of the worst feelings in the world. No matter how earnest I try to be or how much I concentrate, I can't establish that link. I finish my prayers, but wonder the same thing...did He hear them? I know he heard them, but did he hear them?

I find that those times come when I'm not walking right. Whether it's an unconfessed sin or an offense against someone, I think it's God's way of telling me to get things straight before approaching Him. I don't like it at all, but it sure is effective.

Boanerges

I always pray to my Father in Jesus name, I always believe He hears me and He always answers. God has called us to a faith walk so it is important to understand His heart- God is always listening and loves to bless and care for His children. As we draw closer we to Him we are transformed more and more into His image and our prayers begin to reflect His perfect will. Remember God always answers but sometimes He says no. Like any good Father He will only allow what is best for us, sometimes it is an easily percieved blessing and somtimes it comes in the form of a trail- both are designed with the same thing in mind to bring us closer to the Lord!

twistedLinen

It's discouraging when prayers are not answered the way we want them to be. It's even harder to be on ur knees when we lose heart to pray. But the command is pray without ceasing.. For me prayer doesnt need to be that long, it doesn't need to be always following a certain plan like the ACTS-Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication., It's just like worship, it is not planned, it's a way of life., it doesn't have it's time on a regular basis.. the way i see it, making prayer as a lifestyle, in whatever we do is the best kind of prayer., like when you're walking, drinking, or singing., well singing can be a prayer u know.. just my thoughts

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templaris

every second of every moment is a prayer.