How do we pray?

[Chrystalwuzhere]

So many people struggle with this...myself included. Can we talk about it?

I know Jesus gave an example...but still many struggle with this.

First question.... how do we address God in prayer?

[InTheWind]

I generally say, Hey Dad, and go from there ending with a thank you in Jesus name.
Works for me. :nod: :):

[roman8]

I struggle with this as well. also because in the bible Jesus says ..

When you pray so not use Vain repetitions as the heathen do , for they think that they will be heard for their many words. therefore do not be like them . For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray.

Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be Your name
your kingdom come.
your will be done .
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors
and do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one .


This is confusing for me , because on one hand we are to follow what Jesus teaches and then I am told to pray differently from his teaching . My husband just started to read the bible and had this question just the other night. I did not know how to answer it.

[eahaddix]

I struggle with this as well. also because in the bible Jesus says ..

When you pray so not use Vain repetitions as the heathen do , for they think that they will be heard for their many words. therefore do not be like them . For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray.

Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be Your name
your kingdom come.
your will be done .
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors
and do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one .


This is confusing for me , because on one hand we are to follow what Jesus teaches and then I am told to pray differently from his teaching . My husband just started to read the bible and had this question just the other night. I did not know how to answer it.

You are referring to Matthew 6:5-13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:5-13;&version=31;) and Luke 11:1-4 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011:1-4%20;&version=49;). Nowhere do these passages state that prayer is the simple repetition of the said words.

To the contrary, in Matthew 6:9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:9;&version=31;), Christ Jesus told his disciples to pray "in this way" [NASB] (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:9;&version=49;) and "after this manner" [KJV] (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:9;&version=9;). The Greek word for this English phrase is houto (Strong's #3779), which means:

"in this manner (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/manner), thus, so (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/so)" [Strong's Lexicon] (http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=3779)

"in this way (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/way) (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/manner), as, even (so (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/so)), for all that, like (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/like)(-wise (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/likewise)), no more, on this fashion (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/fashion)(-wise), so (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/so) (in like (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/like) manner (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/manner)), thus, what" [Strong's Greek Dictionary] (http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/STRGRK37.htm#S3779)

In reading this Greek definition, one notices that Christ Jesus is teaching the emulation of a prayer style, not dictating the wording of prayer. Specifically, he contrasts the faithless (Matthew 6:8 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:8;&version=31;)), "meaningless repetitions (http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=945)" (Matthew 6:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:7;&version=31;) [Greek] (http://www.studylight.org/isb/bible.cgi?query=Matthew+6%3A7&section=0&it=kjv&ot=bhs&nt=na)) of pagan (http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=1482) prayers (i.e. "The Hail Mary" of the Rosary) with his direct, respectful (Matthew 6:9-10 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:9-10;&version=31;)), and personal (Matthew 6:5-6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:5-6;&version=31;)) prayer to God the Father. Otherwise, Christ Jesus would be advocating the repetitious style of prayer which he just condemned.

Now, do we pray to God the Father, as Christ Jesus did within his example (Matthew 6:9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:9;&version=31;), Luke 11:2 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011:2;&version=31;))?

Yes and no. Nowhere does Biblical Scripture require believers to do so. It is a disputable issue (ref. Romans 14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2014;&version=31;)) which can be decided by the individual, for believers can pray to Christ Jesus (i.e. Acts 7:54-60 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%207:54-60%20;&version=31;)) and/or God the Father (i.e. Acts 4:23-31 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%204:23-31%20;&version=31;)). In fact, Christ Jesus and God the Father are equally God (http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=2316) (John 1:1-2, 14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:1-2,%2014;&version=31;) [Greek] (http://www.studylight.org/isb/bible.cgi?query=John+1%3A1-2%2C+14&section=0&it=kjv&ot=bhs&nt=na)), so there is no reason to discriminate against one or the other.

I generally say, Hey Dad, and go from there ending with a thank you in Jesus name.
Works for me. :nod: :):

The spirit of InTheWind's point is important. Do not be afraid to pray, for Biblical Scripture tells us that we may approach Christ Jesus and God the Father freely (http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=3954) and confidently (http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=4006) (Ephesians 3:12 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203:12%20;&version=31;) [Greek] (http://www.studylight.org/isb/bible.cgi?query=Ephesians+3%3A12+&section=0&it=kjv&ot=bhs&nt=na), Hebrews 4:16 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%204:16;&version=31;) [Greek] (http://www.studylight.org/isb/bible.cgi?query=Hebrews+4%3A16&section=0&it=kjv&ot=bhs&nt=na), 1 John 5:14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%205:14;&version=31;) [Greek] (http://www.studylight.org/isb/bible.cgi?query=1+John+5%3A14&section=0&it=kjv&ot=bhs&nt=na)).

:yowza: So, in light of this, let us pray about all things (Ephesians 6:18 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:18%20;&version=31;)) continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%205:17%20;&version=31;)).

[eahaddix]

First question.... how do we address God in prayer?

Biblical Scripture does not dictate how you should address Christ Jesus and/or God the Father in prayer.

I believe that we should approach this issue with common sense. If we pray to Christ Jesus, then I believe that we should pray to Christ Jesus under the attitude that Christ Jesus is physically standing in front of us (ref. Hebrews 12:1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1;&version=31;)). Under such a situation, we would naturally humble ourselves before Christ Jesus by calling Christ Jesus "Lord" and "Lord Jesus," as opposed to carelessly addressing Christ Jesus "on a first name basis."

[InTheWind]

I`d like to add that i wasn`t trying to be funny in my response, i believe that the Lords prayer is given as a guideline of how or a way too pray for a new Christian.
As we grow in our walk we get to a point where our relationship with God is very close, He is just like our earthly father, He loves us, watches over us, disciplines us and so on.
Christ in my opinion is the mediator between us and God and we should give thanks too the Father in the name of His son Jesus Christ.
My earthly father left us years ago so i have had no fatherly guidance and consider God as my father. In prayer i talk too Him as if i was talking too a earthly father and i think He likes that, as stated then our prayers aren`t repeated as the heathen would pray.
As a mature Christian it should be natural too pray from your heart and not be afraid you might say something wrong, God knows our needs before we even ask and He likes us to ask in our own words. :):

[Jessie]

interesting ITW, to call God dad. seems to bring the conversation in closer.
do you think so??? father seems so formal and distant. or is it just me?

[InTheWind]

interesting ITW, to call God dad. seems to bring the conversation in closer.
do you think so??? father seems so formal and distant. or is it just me?

Yes and it seems to me there are some verses that talk about that.
Two me He is my Dad :): and He woun`t let ya down. :):

[CoreIssue]

I believe we can pray to the Father and to Jesus, as long as we understand all actions are through Christ to the Father.

That leaves a lot of room for how we approach the Father and Christ.

As for names, God is our Father and Dad is a title of endearment, so I see nothing wrong with it.

I call Christ Lord, Savior, King, brother and friend. For he is all at the same time.

God knows the intent and meaning or our hearts when we pray, which is clearer than our words and thoughts. So there is where the meaning and importance lies.

[Jessie]

good points Core.
been calling Father dad and ya know it makes it more special. not such a far away distance in talking.
This is new to me, and is very nice!

and yep always to the Father thru the Son (Jesus)!