What Jesus said about .., prayer.
When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matthew 6: 5-6
The best prayer we can say is the one our Lord taught us. Especially if we say it slowly and meaning every word.
Some people like to say many prayers either reciting the Rosary or prayers relating to Saints or special occasions. Others like to just talk to God. They tell Him what is going on in their lives, and more often than not, ask him (or demand) favours for themselves or their loved ones. Not many spend time listening to God whilst in prayer. Do you?
God does speak to us if we listen carefully. Many worry that it is probably their own thoughts process and not God at all. Don't worry about this. When God speaks to you He makes sure you understand it is He talking.
Prayers are the greatest gifts we can receive from or give to others.
I often pray for other people, naming them individually. It can take ages going through the list. Whilst reaching for His headache tablets, God once told me, "Why don't you group them into various groups like family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, Blogger friends and so on; and save the both of us a lot of time?"
God listens to every prayer and He answers in His own way and time. Sometimes He says "No ... Wait ... I have another plan for you".
When someone tells me about their problems I pray for them silently without them knowing. I also pray for all who comment here.
Jesus prayed for us ...
“I pray not only for them, (the disciples), but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.” John 17: 20-21.
NOTE: This post is part of a series of articles entitled "What Jesus said about ..." If you click the label "What Jesus said" at the end of the article you'll be able to access all the articles.
ReplyDeleteIf there are any topics you would like discussed in this series please write to me by clicking the "Contact us" tab at the top right of this page.
I have to say I think I am a faithful and good prayer warrior. I talk to God all day long - first thing when I get up - and last thing I do before I go to sleep. What would I do without HIM? Many times, I feel that I will pray for you is not enough, but like you say it is a good gift. I have to remember that.
ReplyDeleteYes, prayer is a great gift to give others. It shows charity and love on our behalf.
DeleteGod bless Chatty Crone.
...silent is best.
ReplyDeleteSometimes. God bless, Tom.
DeleteTHANKS, I enjoy your insights, and I know at times it is more than that. .From a rainy cool morning here. We hit the road int he morning....
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kindness, Jack. God bless you and Sherry. Bon voyage.
DeleteLike Sandie, I talk with God throughout my day. He's my best friend! Now that you mention it, however, I need to listen more closely -- the same way I would an ordinary (physical) friend.
ReplyDeleteAmen Mevely. God often speaks to us in prayers; or sometimes at any time.
DeleteGod bless always.
A conversation works for me.
ReplyDeleteA one-to-one communication with God.
DeleteGod bless, Bill.
My prayers are often silent ones ... especially those at the end of the day :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
God listens to all prayers, Jan. God bless you always.
DeleteI too talk to God all day!! I have a prayer list and I start my morning walk praying every morning.
ReplyDeletePraying for others shows you care. God bless, K.
DeleteSometimes I hear the Almighty say to me, Child are you ready to be quiet and listen now?
ReplyDeleteListening can be difficult, Mimi. God bless you.
Delete
ReplyDeleteIf the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
Meister Eckhart
Amen. God bless, CM.
ReplyDeleteVictor, I thank you for including me in your prayer for your blogging friends. I, too, pray for you and am so grateful for these insights you've been giving to us in this current series.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of praying for the categories of people, I have had to do that since my family has grown so large. Thanks for validating that as acceptable.
Thank you for your much needed prayers, Barbara. Much appreciated.
DeleteYes, I pray for all who comment here; including unknown visitors who do not comment. It is OK to group people in our prayers; the Lord knows them all and their needs.
God bless you always.
"I also pray for all who comment here."
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Praying for you right now, Sandi. God bless.
Delete