Prayer
Which prayers do you feel are more important, prevention or repair?
Does belief make a difference in the result of your requests?
What do you consider the value of these actions:
kneeling
prostration on floor
fasting
scheduled prayertime
folded hands
finding a holy place
closed eyes
covered head
holding hands in a circle
uplifted hands
pacing or dancing
repetition
structured pattern (repentance, thanksgiving, meditation, responses...)
long duration
shouts
song
prewritten prayers
personal, original prayer
prayers based on your God's statements
acclaiming the character and ability of your God as you pray
spoken words
quiet reflection
words based on holy book
interceding for others in trouble
appealing for future situations
cursing enemies or obstacles
blessing enemies or friends
asking for healing
request for yieldedness
gratefulness without begging
offering before prayer
group prayer
private prayer
sacrifice of something valuable beforehand
obedience beforehand
recognizing forgiveness and right standing before your God first
When you pray, do you hear anything back, or do ideas unusually come to mind?
If so, think of some examples.
Is it hard for you to sit still and focus?
What would make it easier?
pacing while praying
praying with a friend
joining a phone prayer chain
keeping a list of things to pray for
praying along with a tape
reading verses aloud
singing your words
inspirational background music
holding yourself to a set time
more belief in results
finding a quiet location
getting away from family
prayerwalking for a neighborhood or building
When you pray, do you feel more...
stable
comforted
secure
wise
rested
acceptable
protected
enlightened
strong
disciplined
joined with others
concerned for others
happy
loving
Truth in Tradition
List times when you simply felt uneasy about a prayer, the use of a quote, or enforcement of a standard.
Was the prayer or action harmful to others?
Did you mention your discomfort with this to anyone?
List text excerpts and quotes that you have heard twisted or distorted.
Did anyone else object?
Do you see any agenda for someone misrepresenting these passages or concepts?
What are some areas where tradition enhances meaning?
What are some areas where tradition reduces effectiveness?
Faith
Do you have confidence that your God will listen when you pray?
What rights do you have to address your God?
Do you believe in the promises of your religion concerning prayer?
What generates action and answered prayers?
Past obedience and righteousness
Trust that your prayer has impact
The decision of your God, alone
The faith of everyone involved
Duration of prayer
Intensity of prayer
Praise and appreciation
Unconditional answer
Penance and humility
Reliance on your God rather than yourself
Fasting
Unity with others and forgiveness
Are you afraid that asking for something is a selfish act?
Is there another way to have connection with your God?
What does the Bible say about prayer?
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
John 15:7 NIV
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:18, 19 NIV
He will be gracious to you when your cry for help rings out; as soon as he hears it, he will answer you....Your ears will hear these words behind you, 'This is the way, keep it,' whether you turn to right or left.
Isaiah 30:19, 21 JB
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known.
Jeremiah 33:3 RSV
Any of you who lacks wisdom must ask God, who gives to all generously and without scolding; it will be given. But the prayer must be made with faith, and no trace of doubt...
James 1:5 JB
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have recieved and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive...
Mark 11:24, 25 RSV
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.
Psalm 102:17 NIV
See also...
Psalm 72:12, 13 Matthew 21:22
Isaiah 65:24
James 5:16
I Peter 5:7
Proverbs 15:29
John 14:13, 14
Matthew 6:6
John 16:23, 24
I John 5:14, 15
God, teach me more about prayer. Help me understand how you want to communicate with me, not just rely on expectations of others.
