Prayer

[jordancpeterson]

I admit... I'm on the subject of prayer right now. It's so incredible though!

One thing I seem to have a problem with is concentrating on the Lord and staying in prayer while praying. My thoughts sometimes start drifting. I’ve been reading the Bible and sermons of Brother Branham’s when I catch myself doing that and then going back and praying.

How about anyone else? What are your struggles when praying?

[EllyMae]

I think that can be a struggle for all of us... our minds wandering. Because it's so easy. Brother Branham even said the greatest battle ever fought is in our minds. The simplest things can get in the way of prayer and studying, things in our everyday lives... Work, school, family, friends, etc. But, it's important to overcome ourselves and to put our full attention to the Lord so we can really get in the spirit and worship Him. :)

[HotShot53]

I'm afraid I can never seem to pray for very long... just like I am in most real life conv, I run out of things to say pretty quickly.... and then my mind starts to wander to other things...

[God'schild]

I have the same problem or i repeat everything i say.....
But the more i try to prayer longer the better i will become at it..

[already bought]

I admit... I'm on the subject of prayer right now. It's so incredible though!

One thing I seem to have a problem with is concentrating on the Lord and staying in prayer while praying. My thoughts sometimes start drifting. I’ve been reading the Bible and sermons of Brother Branham’s when I catch myself doing that and then going back and praying.

How about anyone else? What are your struggles when praying?

Yeah I do to. One thing I find that helps me focus more is praying out loud or moving my lips. Because then it feels like I'm really talking to some one not just thinking it. I don't know just a sugestion.

[already bought]

I'm afraid I can never seem to pray for very long... just like I am in most real life conv, I run out of things to say pretty quickly.... and then my mind starts to wander to other things...

Its not really how long we pray but weather we are in the precence of God or not. Because I believe that 5 minites in the precenc of God can do more then an hour of praying. Not that praying for an hour is a bad thing. But what is prayer??
Its talking to God. Comuning with him.

[Babyruth]

I admit... I'm on the subject of prayer right now. It's so incredible though!

One thing I seem to have a problem with is concentrating on the Lord and staying in prayer while praying. My thoughts sometimes start drifting. I’ve been reading the Bible and sermons of Brother Branham’s when I catch myself doing that and then going back and praying.

How about anyone else? What are your struggles when praying?
I have to say I am the same. I have so much to say to God, but then I get distracted by all the other thoughts in my head. It's like I have to pray twice, once to get my mind on God and the second time to actually pray. Especially when I'm tired, it's the worst. I hate it, because I don't mean to, and I am sincere, it's not like I'm rushing through it. But, I did find that when I write my prayers out, it helps. My mind doesn't wander and I keep focused. But then again, I am a writer in the sense that I write a lot and it helps me, not that I am a good writer.

[joris]

Prayer is so amasing..... I just love to pray and one on one with God.....
i win my battles down on my knees..... I always feel better when i pray.....it always makes you feel better? wow you have no idea what a blessing that is; I wish God would give me thatwhen i'm down i pray or sing and it always makes me feel better....singing can really help yeah; though it doesn't always help so much either

[Jezz]

Sometimes I find my mind wandering when I don't approach prayer sincerely enough such as when I pray before going to bed at night just because thats what I do rather than praying because I want to and need to and feel like prasying. I don't have that problem otherwise. Praying always helps to relax me especially when things can feel like they are overwhelming, you just have to let go and let god :)

[God'schild]

AMEN!!!!

"Let go and let God have his wonderful way
Let go and let God have his way....
Your sorrows will vanish your night turn to day
Let go and let God have his way...."

[already bought]

it always makes you feel better? wow you have no idea what a blessing that is; I wish God would give me thatsinging can really help yeah; though it doesn't always help so much either

Singing is worship. And worship sets (sometimes) the stage for comuning or praying. When you don't feel you can break through when you are praying start to sing. Then after start praying. But don't be in a hurry to finish your prayer.

[BroTrevor]

Its not really how long we pray but weather we are in the precence of God or not. Because I believe that 5 minites in the precenc of God can do more then an hour of praying. Not that praying for an hour is a bad thing. But what is prayer??
Its talking to God. Comuning with him.


Boom!!

Lord, help me to pray!!

[jordancpeterson]

Its not really how long we pray but weather we are in the precence of God or not. Because I believe that 5 minites in the precenc of God can do more then an hour of praying. Not that praying for an hour is a bad thing. But what is prayer??
Its talking to God. Comuning with him.

Oh I agree... but how to get into that presence... it's been prayer that did it for me. And not just one time... but a life of prayer... "Pray without ceasing." But I believe also that daily quiet time in prayer is very important.

I was talking about this with someone... if there was a 1, 2, 3 step process to get into the presence of God we'd all be doing it and thinking it was us doing it and not Him! I believe it really all boils down to God's grace and mercy in our lives.

I think that can be a struggle for all of us... our minds wandering. Because it's so easy. Brother Branham even said the greatest battle ever fought is in our minds. The simplest things can get in the way of prayer and studying, things in our everyday lives... Work, school, family, friends, etc. But, it's important to overcome ourselves and to put our full attention to the Lord so we can really get in the spirit and worship Him. :)

I find that the more I put my daily thoughts on Him then the less I have to think about when prayer time comes along. I’m already thinking about Him. Again back to “Pray without ceasing.”

I'm afraid I can never seem to pray for very long... just like I am in most real life conv, I run out of things to say pretty quickly.... and then my mind starts to wander to other things...

Prayer isn’t only talking to God for me... it’s thinking about Him, and His grace and mercy in my life. Try just thanking God for everything that He has done for you! Try praying for all the others with problems, trials and challenges in life. I really feel good about that.

[Angelo]

One thing I seem to have a problem with is concentrating on the Lord and staying in prayer while praying. My thoughts sometimes start drifting. I’ve been reading the Bible and sermons of Brother Branham’s when I catch myself doing that and then going back and praying.

How about anyone else? What are your struggles when praying?
Sometimes I find myself running out of words to say to Him. These are times when I was not conditioned to pray, don't know what to pray, but is determined in myself that I need to pray. I make it a regular conversation with God when there are no specific request to be made. Even though I don't feel His presence, I still believe and continue speaking. Haven't tried being funny yet though. What gave me fear is when I asked Him to please answer, I realized that I was not ready to hear His voice audibly. Honestly, the thing that gives me difficulty is the knee part.

[Jezz]

The knee part? what do you find difficult about that? staying on ur knees for a long time?

Does everyone here pray on their knees? if not how do they pray?

sometimes i sit down on my bed and pray, other times i kneel next to my bed. Depends on my mood and how cold it is, if its cold I dont want to get out of bed :-p

[FreeAtLast]

I´ve posted this already in the girls-section. Thought it might fit in here quite well too:

I think it´s quite important to actually speak out loud when we pray (I don´t mean shouting. lol. Just saying the words out loud instead of just saying them in our hearts).

Doesn´t the bible say in Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

another scripture says in Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

I personally feel like speaking out loud everytime I pray (even if it is at times just hardly more than a whisper)

There is power in the name of Jesus.

[Angelo]

The knee part? what do you find difficult about that? staying on ur knees for a long time?

Does everyone here pray on their knees? if not how do they pray?

Yeah, the pressure hurts especially when circulation is disrupted. It usually is the reason my prayers are interrupted, but I'd prefer kneeling than sitting whenever I pray alone.

[jtucker]

I usually pray sitting down or laying flat on my face, sometimes in my knees.I know that length or beauty of words doesn't matter to God it's all about the sincerity of the Heart

[already bought]

The knee part? what do you find difficult about that? staying on ur knees for a long time?

Does everyone here pray on their knees? if not how do they pray?

sometimes i sit down on my bed and pray, other times i kneel next to my bed. Depends on my mood and how cold it is, if its cold I dont want to get out of bed :-p

presonal opione. ( I need to look up what the Profet says about how to pray).
Well I think kneeling is something we don't do in evey day stuff if you know what i mean. Like we will sit and stand when we are doing something. Sitting and standing we do lots. But where as kneeling I think plays an important part because you are bowing to God. The Bible says you shall have no other gods before me. And by kneeling its being revernt and honering to God.
Also I think it also has to do with getting out of your comfort zone. Like as you stated on a cold night you would rather stay in bed and pray but by getting out and kneeling even when your like fressing is sacrificing your will and wants for God.
Now I can't say that you should always kneel when you pray or that all the other ways are wronge. But pray how ever you feel lead. I think our approce to God is vary important. I have said it before on here and I will just say it again. If some one asked you for something rudly you wouldn't be so willing to do it or give it to them but if they asked nicely you might be more willing. Why? Because of there approce. So how do you approce God when we pray and Why do you pray in the poster that We do???
I prefer kneeling at night and in the morning because if helps me focus more.
Basicly i don't think its soo important in how we are praying weather standing up, sitting, lying down..... But talking to God and entering into his precence thats what really matters. I know the Bible says we should not be like them that say long prayers in the open to draw attention but rather in our closet. I know that is not the exact words but I hope you get what i am trying to say.
Also what is your motive be hind praying???

[jtucker]

our whole life should be worship every step we take every word we speak should worship and glorify God

[gingersnap4jc]

I was reading this and I had the question of is it really important to pray on your knees. I have tried doing that and my legs have fallen asleep to the point of hurting really bad. So I have just sat with my knees to the side or while sitting on my bed. I never really thought it mattered much how your praying position is just the fact that you were praying. Now I have had times that I started out praying standing up and then ended up on the floor. I believe that we should be praying all day talking to God and praying in the spirit. I find that sometimes if I really don't have the words to say or don't feel like praying at the time, that praying in the spirit helps. What I find hard sometimes is praying and then waiting on what God has to say. Sometimes I wonder if I stop to soon. I will wait and if I seem to be coming out of the spirit I stop, I don't know if I should or not. I think I might not be waiting long enough, although I have had times when I have fallen asleep while waiting.
Well I just thought that I would put my 2 cents in. lol
May our Lord Jesus Christ Bless You, Mary

[AlanaH]

I´ve posted this already in the girls-section. Thought it might fit in here quite well too:

I think it´s quite important to actually speak out loud when we pray (I don´t mean shouting. lol. Just saying the words out loud instead of just saying them in our hearts).

Doesn´t the bible say in Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

another scripture says in Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

I personally feel like speaking out loud everytime I pray (even if it is at times just hardly more than a whisper)

There is power in the name of Jesus.\

I agree totally.
Also, if a position was important, why isn't it mentioned anywhere?
Personal opinion: A true and sincere prayer can be offered anywhere, in any position.
Example: A classroom. It would be difficult to slip out of a desk in the middle of a hard exam and kneel. So you pray in your seat.

Example: In the middle of a transpiring car-wreck behind the wheel. Sometimes you don't even have time to pray. My mom was in this situation before I was born. A semi had thrown a double tire (rim and all) and it was headed straight for her car. All she had time to say was "Jesus, don't let it break the glass".
The tire hit, bounced off and rolled away. The entire car was almost completely flattened in the back and the windows were caved out, but they never broke. Go figure.

I believe that is the attitude and sincerity that determines the prayer, not the position it it offered in.

[jordancpeterson]

Wow! Amazing!

[AlanaH]

It really is, and just goes to show how God watches out for His Own...

[cabletown]

Some thoughts on prayer that encouraged me and only posting to encourage you. These may sound like they are directed at you. But when they were wrote down they were directed at me. So please don't take offense as anything personal. They were and still are for me. Whether you'd like to take them and apply them to your own life that is up to you.


The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "Pray without ceasing." (or without stopping)
Brother Branham says "you'll never pray too much."
What do we do or ask others to do if we are in trouble? We pray or ask them to pray. Not read the Bible, not listen to a sermon by someone, but pray.
All the answers to our problems is found in prayer.
Jesus before He died on the cross had a Gethsemane. Have you? Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46
Brother Branham says so much about having a prayer meeting and praying. We are told by ministers to pray.
When you read those little tracks about being saved, they tell you now that you are save to pray, read your Bible and find a church to go to. Prayer is so important from the start and yet we put it off as if it's the least important.
Gandhi a great leader of India spent time praying or meditating daily and I believe spent one day a week alone praying to his god.
Jesus said that there was some kinds of faith that only comes about by prayer and fasting.
Brother Branham spent up to 5 hours a day while having meetings.
What is the most common thing people say they lack most in their spiritual life? Prayer is the resounding cry.
People are asking for prayer. Not only at church but out in the world. The political leaders ask for prayer when a war starts or some terrible tragedy strikes.
A session at Congress is opened with prayer.
We pray at funerals, weddings, and when we eat.
Devout Muslims pray on their knees three times a day. Even in America while on the job!
Daniel, probably one of the most powerful political leaders the world has ever seen took the time to pray every day. Not just pray "thank you for this food, Amen" but he got down on his knees toward Jerusalem and prayed not once, or twice but three times a day! And even after doing that he prayed and fasted for 21 days at a time.
Satan trembles when the weakest saint goes to their knees.
We complain sometimes about various parts of our body hurting while praying (I have in the past anyway). Just remember that Jesus suffered a lot more on the cross then His knees hurting. And I'm sure He wasn't concerned about His legs going to sleep in the Garden of Gethsemane. 1 Peter 4:1-2
We say we want of the Holy Ghost. How are we told by Brother Branham and other ministers to get it? By praying (and reading the Bible).
Brother Branham said 'we must pray through until everyone looks good to us'. That means if we saw them in need we'd help them. That should mean we'd buy anyone dinner
Brother Branhma says 'pray through until we have Agaopo love for everyone'.
Brother Branham says we need to have an experience with the Lord recently. Not 20 or 30 years ago. We need to have something to testify about today that happened yesterday!
We must witness for Christ. And if we aren't excited to do that then we need to have an experience with the Lord that will probably involve prayer. And we just don't want to have boldness to witness but we want to have the Life that backs up our testimony. There are plenty of people that have the boldness but not the character or Life to back it up.
Do you want to live the rest of your life in the spiritual condition you are in whether it be 30 seconds or 30 years? What should you do about your spiritual condition?
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
BLUSHING.PROPHET_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 56-1125E
E-8 Now, this had embarrassed the prophet so much till when he come before God he blushed in His face. The first one he heard about... And it seemed the--the moral decay of his people, it hurt him so bad until he set down and anointed himself, plucked his hair out and his beard out, and was heavy hearted before the Lord in prayer. Then when the evening sacrifice was offered, he went into the temple and fell on his knees and blushed before God for the sins of the people.
Now, he didn't blush for the scarlet streak of the red light district. He didn't blush for the booze drinkers in the hell holes, although as bad as it may be. But he blushed because the sin of the elect. And what we need today is some more prophets with enough God in their hearts to blush in the Presence of God for the sins of the people who call themselves the people of God and doing the way they're doing. What a disgrace we've brought to this place. The morals of our people...
The evidence is overwhelming friends. We don't have enough prayer in our life. We need daily dedicated prayer time, Daniel's prayer times on our knees 3 times a day and we need to be praying without ceasing throughout the whole day as we go about our duties and tasks.I had something wrote up more about the 3 types of prayer that I'm striving for in my life. Maybe if there is interest I'll dig that up and post it (and my journey to get there). I hope this speaks to you like it did me when I first wrote it down.

[JoeC]

Its not really how long we pray but weather we are in the precence of God or not. Because I believe that 5 minites in the precenc of God can do more then an hour of praying. Not that praying for an hour is a bad thing. But what is prayer??
Its talking to God. Comuning with him.

I actually don't agree here. Maybe in some circumstances, but Brother Branham often spoke of "breaking through." In this day and age, 5 minutes is hardly enough to even break through the ceiling, let alone the heavy cloud of spirits (speaking figuratively).

Of course, 5 mins is better than nothing at all...

[BroTrevor]

I actually don't agree here. Maybe in some circumstances, but Brother Branham often spoke of "breaking through." In this day and age, 5 minutes is hardly enough to even break through the ceiling, let alone the heavy cloud of spirits (speaking figuratively).

Of course, 5 mins is better than nothing at all...

I don't think she was really talking about 5 minutes of non-broke through prayer.

I think she was pointing out that it's not the quantity, it's the quality. Seasoned prayer warriors do not always take so long to break through.

Those that keep themselves non-muddled up with the things of the world, have an easier time breaking through.

I think she was saying, if you're really broke through...5 minutes is worth more than an hour of un-broke through prayer.

So, if you're going to pray... .PRAY! Break through!

[JoeC]

Some thoughts on prayer that encouraged me and only posting to encourage you. These may sound like they are directed at you. But when they were wrote down they were directed at me. So please don't take offense as anything personal. They were and still are for me. Whether you'd like to take them and apply them to your own life that is up to you.

The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "Pray without ceasing." (or without stopping)
Brother Branham says "you'll never pray too much."
What do we do or ask others to do if we are in trouble? We pray or ask them to pray. Not read the Bible, not listen to a sermon by someone, but pray.
All the answers to our problems is found in prayer.
Jesus before He died on the cross had a Gethsemane. Have you? Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46
Brother Branham says so much about having a prayer meeting and praying. We are told by ministers to pray.
When you read those little tracks about being saved, they tell you now that you are save to pray, read your Bible and find a church to go to. Prayer is so important from the start and yet we put it off as if it's the least important.
Gandhi a great leader of India spent time praying or meditating daily and I believe spent one day a week alone praying to his god.
Jesus said that there was some kinds of faith that only comes about by prayer and fasting.
Brother Branham spent up to 5 hours a day while having meetings.
What is the most common thing people say they lack most in their spiritual life? Prayer is the resounding cry.
People are asking for prayer. Not only at church but out in the world. The political leaders ask for prayer when a war starts or some terrible tragedy strikes.
A session at Congress is opened with prayer.
We pray at funerals, weddings, and when we eat.
Devout Muslims pray on their knees three times a day. Even in America while on the job!
Daniel, probably one of the most powerful political leaders the world has ever seen took the time to pray every day. Not just pray "thank you for this food, Amen" but he got down on his knees toward Jerusalem and prayed not once, or twice but three times a day! And even after doing that he prayed and fasted for 21 days at a time.
Satan trembles when the weakest saint goes to their knees.
We complain sometimes about various parts of our body hurting while praying (I have in the past anyway). Just remember that Jesus suffered a lot more on the cross then His knees hurting. And I'm sure He wasn't concerned about His legs going to sleep in the Garden of Gethsemane. 1 Peter 4:1-2
We say we want of the Holy Ghost. How are we told by Brother Branham and other ministers to get it? By praying (and reading the Bible).
Brother Branham said 'we must pray through until everyone looks good to us'. That means if we saw them in need we'd help them. That should mean we'd buy anyone dinner
Brother Branhma says 'pray through until we have Agaopo love for everyone'.
Brother Branham says we need to have an experience with the Lord recently. Not 20 or 30 years ago. We need to have something to testify about today that happened yesterday!
We must witness for Christ. And if we aren't excited to do that then we need to have an experience with the Lord that will probably involve prayer. And we just don't want to have boldness to witness but we want to have the Life that backs up our testimony. There are plenty of people that have the boldness but not the character or Life to back it up.
Do you want to live the rest of your life in the spiritual condition you are in whether it be 30 seconds or 30 years? What should you do about your spiritual condition?
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
BLUSHING.PROPHET_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 56-1125E
E-8 Now, this had embarrassed the prophet so much till when he come before God he blushed in His face. The first one he heard about... And it seemed the--the moral decay of his people, it hurt him so bad until he set down and anointed himself, plucked his hair out and his beard out, and was heavy hearted before the Lord in prayer. Then when the evening sacrifice was offered, he went into the temple and fell on his knees and blushed before God for the sins of the people.
Now, he didn't blush for the scarlet streak of the red light district. He didn't blush for the booze drinkers in the hell holes, although as bad as it may be. But he blushed because the sin of the elect. And what we need today is some more prophets with enough God in their hearts to blush in the Presence of God for the sins of the people who call themselves the people of God and doing the way they're doing. What a disgrace we've brought to this place. The morals of our people...
The evidence is overwhelming friends. We don't have enough prayer in our life. We need daily dedicated prayer time, Daniel's prayer times on our knees 3 times a day and we need to be praying without ceasing throughout the whole day as we go about our duties and tasks.I had something wrote up more about the 3 types of prayer that I'm striving for in my life. Maybe if there is interest I'll dig that up and post it (and my journey to get there). I hope this speaks to you like it did me when I first wrote it down.
And you said you didn't have much to say? Glad to have you aboard! :)

[BroTrevor]

And you said you didn't have much to say? Glad to have you aboard! :)

Much agreed...

some good stuff there ctown!

[azurity]

I don't think she was really talking about 5 minutes of non-broke through prayer.

I think she was pointing out that it's not the quantity, it's the quality. Seasoned prayer warriors do not always take so long to break through.

Those that keep themselves non-muddled up with the things of the world, have an easier time breaking through.

I think she was saying, if you're really broke through...5 minutes is worth more than an hour of un-broke through prayer.

So, if you're going to pray... .PRAY! Break through!
Amen, brother!

This reminds me of the quote:

THE.PRESENCE.OF.GOD.UNRECOGNIZED 64-0618
Oh, the greatest pleasure I know of, is to be to pray until I can realize that I'm in the Presence of God, and recognize it. I think that ought to be the thrill of the Church, is the Presence of the Holy Spirit; seeing the God that made the promise standing among us, feel His Presence and see His Word, and see It vindicated. It ought to give faith, to make cripples walk, blind see, deaf hear, dumb speak.

(No, I aren't really "stealing" that quote... it's been going through my mind lately, I just hadn't got around to looking it up!)

[eagleendtime]

Brother Branham said 'we must pray through until everyone looks good to us'. That means if we saw them in need we'd help them. That should mean we'd buy anyone dinner


No.

I'll go along with the first part without no problem. For when you truly do break throught, everyone looks good. I rember when God ignited my heart the first time, there where no strangers and everyone did look good.

As for the rest of the statement, if you got the Holy Ghost you'll follow His leading. For not everyone in need, should be helped - it could be a set up, you better be listening to the spirit. Christ helped the one man at the pool, and left the others.

It is our Christian duty to be willing to help, and of service, you don't need to pray through for that. Now to be better used Yes.

Christ so loved us, that he even prayed for his enemies on the cross. Stephen didn't want to charge anyone at his stoning. When you truly do pray through you have no enemies, no ill feelings, no funny feelings, just divine love.

Go back to when Christ made himself real to your heart, how it burned and how people looked.

I said Hello to complete strangers. I was happy. Full of Joy. Been there several times.


Sorry didn't mean to get so long.
So here I'll end with this quote

TESTIMONY.RAISING.DEAD.BOY_ WEST.PALM.BEACH.FL THURSDAY_ 53-1203
E-8 Here's an old slogan I want you to remember it. "Do right; That's your duty to God. Think right: That's your duty to yourself. And you're bound to be right." That's right. See? You'll come out right if you'll do right. That's your duty to God. Think right; That's your duty for yourself, and you'll come out right. You just...

[AndrewMichael]

TESTIMONY.RAISING.DEAD.BOY_ WEST.PALM.BEACH.FL THURSDAY_ 53-1203
E-8 Here's an old slogan I want you to remember it. "Do right; That's your duty to God. Think right: That's your duty to yourself. And you're bound to be right." That's right. See? You'll come out right if you'll do right. That's your duty to God. Think right; That's your duty for yourself, and you'll come out right. You just...

I like the fact that it is merely our duty, not even doing anything extra (like giving a tithe, and not even reaching anything to be considered an offering yet). Kind of a Romans 12:1 thing, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Praise God for His simplicity.

[marichino_freedom]

i pray when and wherever i feel a desire...be that in class, in the car, at work, you get the idea. however, i dont know if what i'm doing is right. i've never been quite sure of how to "pray", that is, in the formal sense. when i pray, i just talk to God, i have conversations with him, i talk about whats on my heart. i've just never been able to formulate a formal prayer very well.

[blessed]

Seems to me you are doing all right.

[eagleendtime]

If there is a formal prayer, or way of doing it. It is based on that great model prayer ' The Lord's Prayer'

Best way I have found is just like the model prayer, start by praising Him. Worship and praise Him, acknowledge his greatness.

MATTHEW 6:9
9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

MATTHEW 6:10
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

submit to His will,

MATTHEW 6:11
11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Food, revelation. Pray for revelation, strenght etc.

MATTHEW 6:12
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Confess your faults, your wrongs, your ways, your thinking. And from your heart those who have done you wrong, or preceived wrong.

MATTHEW 6:13
13 And lead us not into temptation,

His leadership. His strength. His guidance. His Way.

but deliver us from evil:

If we have fail you Lord, Help us. On you alone do I depend for this.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The promise that is to come for those who follow Him.


I have thought a lot on the Lord's Prayer. Even to breaking it down word by word. It is a model prayer, from which we can fashion our prayers and prayer life.

I have been taught, preach to on this. Just start praising and singing to Jesus. Some of my best prayer times have been mediations on the Lord's Prayer. My great regret, is I don't pray enought.

[blessed]

Eagle, you have made some interesting post which leads to my question Who are you? You did not introduce yourself in the Welcome & Introductions thread. Would you be so kind to tell us about yourself.

[AlanaH]

I was wondering the same things......

[eagleendtime]

:peep: should I remain mysterious or not that is the question.

Enought said, I have thougt about the introduction. I will do that here, let's this weekend.

[TommyLewis]

I agree with eagle, that praise is the best way to enter into prayer. I have found that if, instead of jumping right into my petitions etc..., I take the time to just sit quietly for a moment, completely clear my mind, and then just start praising God, thanking Him for who He is, for what He has done, it creates an atmosphere that makes it easier to pray.

[AndrewMichael]

I agree with eagle, that praise is the best way to enter into prayer. I have found that if, instead of jumping right into my petitions etc..., I take the time to just sit quietly for a moment, completely clear my mind, and then just start praising God, thanking Him for who He is, for what He has done, it creates an atmosphere that makes it easier to pray.

Absolutely...

On top of that, I love to have this CD playing to comes from the musicians at church, just instrumental, and it just helps so much to create an atmosphere. I would just have it playing all the time, but electricity is $$$$ these days...

[God'schild]

in one of the Bible Study's i attend to on fridays the pastor is doing a topic about prayer.. and once we're done then he's going to put it into a booklet and give all the young people that were there for the prayer topic a booklet that we can study it ourselves.. I think that is an awesome idea..

[HotShot53]

in one of the Bible Study's i attend to on fridays the pastor is doing a topic about prayer.. and once we're done then he's going to put it into a booklet and give all the young people that were there for the prayer topic a booklet that we can study it ourselves.. I think that is an awesome idea..

Any chance of that booklet finding its way online?

[God'schild]

Any chance of that booklet finding its way online?

I doubt that the booklet will make online...

But i will post some of the scriptures and quotes that are going to be in the booklet..

[AlanaH]

Unless someone took the time to type it all out and post it somewhere...

[blessed]

But i will post some of the scriptures and quotes that are going to be in the booklet..

Looking forward to it

[HotShot53]

Unless someone took the time to type it all out and post it somewhere...

or scan in it, if you have a scanner

[jtucker]

you could do that, or you could send it to someone who has alot of time on their hands who is willing to do it and then they can type it up in chapters and then post the chapters on a weekly basis. and then we could have discussions on it. ......Just an idear

[AlanaH]

I wouldn't mind doing it.....just a thought...

[BroTrevor]

I love that song "Get down and pray"

I think Wes Ardiel sings it... I think it's on www.bridemusic.org (http://www.bridemusic.org)

I like to listen to that...and then...get down and pray.

[God'schild]

you could do that, or you could send it to someone who has alot of time on their hands who is willing to do it and then they can type it up in chapters and then post the chapters on a weekly basis. and then we could have discussions on it. ......Just an idear

I believe that it is going to be put into chapters but i'm not exactly sure..

[eagleendtime]

Absolutely...

On top of that, I love to have this CD playing to comes from the musicians at church, just instrumental, and it just helps so much to create an atmosphere....

Creating the right atomsphere is critical. Been reading Psalms lately, and the psalmist is usually mentioning coming before the Lord with singing and praise. God loves to be worshipped.

[jordancpeterson]

Just recently I was reminded how much nature helps to get you in the Spirit. Just listening and seeing what He's created just really helped me get into an atmosphere of prayer.

[Angelo]

Having those thoughts also lately. Considering the heaven's glory. How majestic and endless the universe is. And to think that the creator of all would devise a plan like this in all simplicity. Really will make us praise Him. And the to think that what we shall be, like Him that is worthy. He has proven Himself to us by all of these.

[jordancpeterson]

Just listening to the birds... Wow! We live in the city but it still is amazing how much of nature you can hear (even though a 4 lane road is 150 feet away).

[eagleendtime]

Bro. Branham once told someone to turn down their radio so he could hear his. The man made a few comments, and Bro. Branham told him it was nature (he wanted to hear the birds sing).

[eagleendtime]

Do we need to cry everytime we pray?

No. We can shed crocdile tears while praying too. The main thing is answer that desire or call to prayer when it is on the heart.

How often should we pray?
Well the prophet Daniel prayed three times a day. Starting and ending your day with God should be the chiefest things.
As Paul said die daily(Bro. Branham die hourly), starting your day with God.

It may not stop that flat tire, or someone getting upset with you, etc, but it will set your attitude for the day in how you handle those events.

[AgapZoe]

Wow,Prayer!!!

-'How do you maintain a relationship without Conversation?' -I think JoeC wrote about prayer in one of the issues of the magazine(not sure which one it is...will have to go confirm)..and he addressed this question in such a splendid way. I loved it. Just use this: 'the natural types the Spiritual'

Then,for me,prayer really determines your intimacy with God. So,however you pray,it speaks volumes on how Close you are with Your God! For some,prayer is a Sigh in the name of God. Others,it's shedding a tear. Others,it's a soft-whsiper,soft enough to touch the heart of God...others it's a Song...whilst others,it's just a thought..etc....what's prayer to you?

[BroTrevor]

something I have been working on, and thinking on lately.

Pray with your heart, not your mind.

Let your emotions toward God flow out while you speak to Him. Don't just work through Good thoughts and Good requests as you pray.

Let if flow from your hearts desires.

[joris]

Pray with your heart, not your mind.

Let your emotions toward God flow out while you speak to Him. Don't just work through Good thoughts and Good requests as you pray.

Let if flow from your hearts desires.Amen
man that's... that's so good :) sharing all love and joy and gladness, but not only that, also pain and frustration and anger and all that; He's not affraid of our emotions, just we have to learn with Him we're safe to show our emotions

[eagleendtime]

I once heard this not directly from the minister that said it.

We all know about tithing, but how about tithing one's time. That would mean giving God, the equivalent of 2.4 hours a day, or 16.8 hours per week. Daily would be better.

If we did that, imagine how much more dedicated we would be. How much further we would be along our spiritual life's road.

Now I am not presenting this as a doctrine, but as a thought, and that is how it was present to me. Merely as a thought, in terms of giving God some quality dedicated time.

[cabletown]

Interesting thought.

[eagleendtime]

How many of us really enter into our closets to pray? this has a promise to it.

Our pastor a couple of years back, felt when we had an important missionary campaign to South Afriica, we should be using our closets. I did for a while, then it became on and off again. Just recently cleaned the floor out, and put it back into service.

Here is somethings on prayer.

MATTHEW 6:6
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

FELLOWSHIP_ MINNEAPOLIS.MN SUNDAY_ 56-0212
E-21 Now, man has always longed for this fellowship and the reason that he did... Did you ever stop to think how--what makes people long for this, what makes men and women long to associate with each other? And when you become a Christian, how you long to get in the Presence of God. There isn't a person in here that's ever had an experience with God, but what the greatest joy of your life is when you can get just alone a little while with God, just cut loose every shoreline, and get in the secret closet, and close the door, and lift up your hands and just come into that communion. Oh, there's something about it that's marvelous.
I've got in there and you have too, and just kneel down and weep and weep till you just couldn't stand it no more, just saying, "God, I--I just can't--I just can't stand no more of it."



BLIND.BARTIMAEUS_ PHOENIX.AZ FRIDAY_ 57-0301
E-9 You know there's something about getting alone to yourself. Many people never pray until they come to church. Many people thinks that the only place to pray is at church, but the Bible said for men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands. And then when we get by ourself, we'll usually pray different than what we would if we pray it in church. It's the secret prayer that Jesus spoke of, saying, "Enter ye into a secret closet, and close the door, and when you have did so, pray to your Father Who sees in secret; and He that seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
And when we're praying like that, there seems to be something to the prayer that takes all the hypocrisy out of it. It seems like that we get in a better connection with God, to get alone. And there's been many times in my life, as perhaps in your life, that you just have to get alone once in a while with Jesus. I've took my car and drove down the road and just studying. After I got to the highway where it was free, or off on some country road, till I would become so filled with His mercies and goodness, till I'd just stopped the car and held the wheel and wept like a baby.

God don't take great denominations apart; He takes individuals apart to speak with them. He takes you apart to speak with you. Sometimes over in the closet when you feel led to go and you don't go, then you might miss something. God wants you to go to church, and He wants to manifest something to you through His Word, through some move that He's making. You fail to go, you'll miss seeing something.

But now, Father, there's yet another step we can make. And that's why we're here. Some of them are here with sin sick souls; they do not know the joy of serving You, Lord, and knowing You as a personal Friend that walks with you on the street, rides with you in the car, talks to you in the secret closet, eats with you at the table. O God, let Jesus become a personal Friend, just one member of the family, in every home that's here in this city, throughout the region. Grant it, Lord.


GREEK LEXICON -- STRONG'S NUMBER 5009
Click here to view all verses that use this Greek word.
5009 tameion {tam-i'-on} tamei'on neuter contraction of a presumed derivative of tamias (a dispenser or distributor); TDNT -- omitted,omitted; n n

AV -- closet (2)
-- secret chamber (1)
-- storehouse (1) [4]
1) a storage chamber, storeroom
2) a chamber esp. an inner chamber; a secret room

[eagleendtime]

WHO.IS.THIS_ CLARKSVILLE.IN SUNDAY_ 59-1004M
E-20 Oh, I tell you, knowing all this before hands by the Word of the Lord, we should pray and study every hour of our life, making ready for that great event.
Now, while the air is charged with His Presence, and while we are believing, and the anointed ministers of the Gospel are sending out the thunderbolts of warning, we should be prepared, for any minute for that blessed event, when we shall see all that has died in Christ through the ages, when we will see Jesus coming to get His Church; then we'll be caught up to meet Him in the air. There were many who didn't see Him that day.

[Jezz]

I really like that quote. We really should be at least thinking on Him every hour of every day.

[EllyMae]

I wrote this on xanga, thought I would share it here as well:


There's nothing like bowing on your knees and getting into the presence of God. The youth from my church have been talking a lot about prayer lately, and have even made it a daily commitment to the Lord to pray for about an hour. We're in this battle together, and the victory has already been won! We've all got together twice so far and prayed, and although sometimes we may not physically be together praying, we are spiritually. So, if any of you would like to join us in prayer, we usually pray between the hours of 8 and 10 PM, unless there is a time that's more convenient. Our bible studies are lead by Bro Doug, and I'd like to share some of the things that he's talked about. Being a Christian isn't some small thing. As the Bride of Jesus, married to The King, that makes us His Queen. We are of high authority, and we shouldn't take that position lightly. If you had a need and wanted prayer, would you ask someone you know who rarely prays? Or someone you know who has a victorious prayer life? So, if someone askes you to pray for them, that shows they have confidence that you will indeed pray for them, and not just brush it over your shoulder. We should think of it as a priviledge to pray for them. Also, do you realize that we're representing Jesus Christ and the kingdom of Heaven? That's incredible, and it should make you watch how you act more carefully. We should create a Godly atmosphere for those around us, and stand out from everyone else. Don't be afraid to be different, and live a holy life amongst unbelievers. I learned that anything outside the will of God doesn't matter. We have eternal life, and anything that's not included in that will be gone one day. We should be the happiest people on earth and have so much love and joy in our hearts, that it should exceed far beyond anything that could make us upset or angry. At a May 2006 convention in Liberty, KY one of the services preached was: Are you living your election out in shame or glory? When you leave here, how will people remember you? Think about that. We're not promised tomorrow, so let's become ready now. Who is with me? :)

[eagleendtime]

Here is a thought that can be used for prayer.

THE.SEVENTH.SEAL_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 63-0324E
558-4 {258} If you want something to happen... Now, you'll have to take my word for this. If I'm planning on doing something, I know better than to tell anybody about it. Not that that person will tell it, but Satan will hear it. See? He can't get it in my heart there, as long as God's got it closed up with the Holy Spirit, so it's between me and God. See? He don't know nothing about it until you speak it, then he hears it.
And I'll try... I'll people I'll do a certain-certain thing, and watch the devil cut off every wheel he can to get there (See?), to beat me to it. But if I can get the revelation from God and just don't say nothing about it, then it's different.
Remember, Satan will try to impersonate. He will try to impersonate everything that the Church will do. He's tried to do it. We've noticed it through the antichrist; but this is one thing he cannot impersonate. There'll be no mimics to this (See?), 'cause he don't know it. There's no way for him to know it. It's the third pull. He just knows nothing about it. See? He doesn't understand it.

[eagleendtime]

here is another good quote that could be used for prayer. When we pray, and God has heard our prayer, the answer is on the way. But here is the catch.

THE.UNCHANGEABLE.GOD_ TULSA.OK SATURDAY_ 60-0326
E-8 Now, the thing is with the people, is the way God appears. Many times we want to make an idol out of God. We ask God to do something, and then He must do it just the way that we ask it, or we'll say He never answered. When we do that, we weaken our faith in God. And we weaken our testimony when we do not take Him at His Word.
God always answers. No one never asked... Jesus said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and ye shall find." Everyone that asks will receive. Everyone that seeks shall find. Everyone that knocks, it'll be opened to them.
Now, that's the only way that I've always found it, that I can get anything from God, is take Him at His Word and believe it the way He sends it.
Now, if we do not take it just the way that we think it is... We've built God as an idol. He's got to answer just according to our ways, or, "Well, it's just no good. He didn't answer us." God answers in many ways. He answers in peculiar ways, times, and everything is odd.


He answers His way.

[BroTrevor]

Here is a thought that can be used for prayer.

THE.SEVENTH.SEAL_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 63-0324E
558-4 {258} If you want something to happen... Now, you'll have to take my word for this. If I'm planning on doing something, I know better than to tell anybody about it. Not that that person will tell it, but Satan will hear it. See? He can't get it in my heart there, as long as God's got it closed up with the Holy Spirit, so it's between me and God. See? He don't know nothing about it until you speak it, then he hears it.
And I'll try... I'll people I'll do a certain-certain thing, and watch the devil cut off every wheel he can to get there (See?), to beat me to it. But if I can get the revelation from God and just don't say nothing about it, then it's different.
Remember, Satan will try to impersonate. He will try to impersonate everything that the Church will do. He's tried to do it. We've noticed it through the antichrist; but this is one thing he cannot impersonate. There'll be no mimics to this (See?), 'cause he don't know it. There's no way for him to know it. It's the third pull. He just knows nothing about it. See? He doesn't understand it.


I think about this one alot. There's alot to our confession as well, either negative or positive.

[joris]

I think about this one alot. There's alot to our confession as well, either negative or positive.what does that mean? I've been encouraged to try and pray aloud, but this seems to imply that's not a smart thing...

The thing of confessing the truth, rather than fears/feelings, is important; now, just I need to learn do that