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.
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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.
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