There is Not Right or Wrong Way to Pray!

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.

When I was in High School, one of my friend’s mother said to me one day: “I never pray for myself or for what I want!”

Now granted I was just a teen-age!  However that statement lived in my thoughts for months.  And then for years it would pop back in from time to time.  I think it was because I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t want to tell God her feelings, needs and wants.  She made it feel like it was bad to talk to God about yourself.  She made it sound like it was wrong.  

That conversation took place over fifty some years ago.  Today I would have to say, to my friend’s mother, that I don’t agree at all with your opinion.  I have come to believe that God wants us to tell him about what is going on with us.  God wants us to trust Him with our feelings, needs and thoughts.  God even wants us to laugh with Him!  Just kid around sometimes!

Prayer is our way of letting God know that He is important to us in every and all areas of our being. 

Prayer is not something formal way of speaking! Prayer is not some formula we follow to talk to God. 

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to pray.  

Prayer is a simple ordinary conversation we have with God that make a connection.  That creates a relationship between us and Him.  

Prayer is real, honest, talking together!  Laughing and crying together!  

Prayer is being vulnerable with someone who knows you inside out!

Prayer is not only talking!   It is also listening!

Jesus began His ministry modeling prayer.  

He also ended his physical ministry modeling prayer!  

And, by the way!  When he ended with prayer, that night in the garden, he most certainly prayed for himself.  

"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” (Lk. 22)

Any thoughts or questions?