What is the proper way to pray?
Is it best to pray standing up, sitting down, kneeling, or bowing down? Should our hands be open, closed, or lifted up to God? Do our eyes need to be closed when we pray? Is it better to pray in a church building or out in nature? Should we pray in the morning when we get up or at night before we go to bed? Are there certain words we need to say in our prayers? How do we begin our prayers? What is the proper way to close a prayer? These questions, and others, are common questions asked about prayer. What is the proper way to pray? Do any of the above things even matter?
Far too often, prayer is viewed as a “magic formula.” Some believe that if we do not say exactly the right things, or pray in the right position, God will not hear and answer our prayer. This is completely unbiblical. God does not answer our prayers based on when we pray, where we are, what position our body is in, or in what order we word our prayers. We are told in 1 John 5:14-15 to have confidence when we come to God in prayer, knowing He hears us and will grant whatever we ask as long as it is in His will. Similarly, John 14:13-14 declares, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” According to these and many other Scriptures, God answers prayer requests based on whether they are asked according to His will and in the name of Jesus (to bring glory to Jesus).
So, what is the proper way to pray? Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to pray without being anxious, to pray about everything, and to pray with thankful hearts. God will answer all such prayers with the gift of His peace in our hearts. The proper way to pray is to pour out our hearts to God, being honest and open with God, as He already knows us better than we know ourselves. We are to present our requests to God, keeping in mind that God knows what is best and will not grant a request that is not His will for us. We are to express our love, gratitude, and worship to God in prayer without worrying about having just the right words to say. God is more interested in the content of our hearts than the eloquence of our words.
The closest the Bible comes to giving a “pattern” for prayer is the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Please understand that the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer we are to memorize and recite to God. It is an example of the things that should go into a prayer—worship, trust in God, requests, confession, and submission. We are to pray for the things the Lord’s Prayer talks about, using our own words and “customizing” it to our own journey with God. The proper way to pray is to express our hearts to God. Sitting, standing, or kneeling; hands open or closed; eyes opened or closed; in a church, at home, or outside; in the morning or at night—these are all side issues, subject to personal preference, conviction, and appropriateness. God’s desire is for prayer to be a real and personal connection between Himself and us.
This is so true… many people get so confused with how they should pray but you are right the truth is what is in the heart of each person when they pray and if it is according to His will. God bless
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Thank you so much for your comment. may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you all the days of your life. may His face shine upon you and yours. Amen!
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Amen -thank you I receive it in the name of Jesus you too .. may prayer for you is your writings will liberate many people and help them to know the TRUTH…
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Thank you for the blessing and kindness. And, thank you for your prayer of my blog reaching others who need the truth and liberation found in Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is my aim to give the truth about God, Jesus and the way to God’s plan and fulfillment for our lives. I want to see everyone reach salvation and entrance into Heaven…. To spread God’s word. Amen!
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This was exactly ho w I was 2 months ago when I took my leap of faith… I had no clue how to pray but soon came to find that it didn’t matter how, when why I prayed… It just mattered that I was being honest, keep pouring my heart out to him and trust that he will make decisions that we won’t always make but he is doing it for the best of us!!!
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I am pleased my post affirmed what you, yourself discovered. You are right – Prayer is our opportunity to share intimate quality time with God our Father. To give Him praise and glory. Prayer is our time with the Father to pour out our hearts in humble confession – seeking forgiveness of sin…. Prayer is our time with Him seeking Wisdom, Guidance, Strength and protection…… and, yes, giving thanks for all He does for us …… His children.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you . May He guide and protect you; all the days of your life.
Your friend through Christ Jesus;
Michael
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Thank you for your interest in this post. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob continually bless and keep you.
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Thank you for visiting and for your interest in this post. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you.
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