I am a firm believer in the power of prayers, and in these times prayers are needed.
I don’t think I am alone in being in need of the calming effect of a praying seance.
But I am not a scholarly educated christian and in this regard I was wondering if there are ways to pray that is more correct than others?
I know muslims have more strict rules around the whole ritual, and it might be the same with our God, and that I just haven’t taken it serious enough to do it any other way than “freestyling” it a bit.
I have asked people about this and the answer I got was that just praying is the important part, but if there are ways you are supposed to do it I feel one should have that respect going into it.
So please enlighten me if there are ways to perfect the art of praying.
It’ll always come from the heart, I’m not worried about that part, just need to perfect it with a humble attitude and to make sure it comes right.
Best of days to you
I’m no expert on the mechanics but I strive for maximum humility and gratitude.
This is a good question, don’t know the definite answer.
If you go to churches you can ask the priests/pastors to pray for you or someone else then listen to how they do that.
Hey! You all on the PM’s: Why don’t you just roll down your windows and wave!!! LOL!
The scripture tells us to pray without ceasing and to “Pour out our heart before Him”; the Psalms are a good example of that. I don’t do scripted prayers (vain repetitions). I pray before going out; for various situations; other people; ask for advice / guidance / forgiveness / help with besetting sins; help in finding lost objects; for angels to be sent across my path when I need help. Sometimes I just cry, sometimes I laugh and share a joke. Always respectful, humble and thankful. Well almost always, there have been times when I grumbled, remonstrated and complained. He understands. Keep it real
thank you ! Best of days to you
I tried that once: I was traveling home after a bad upset and stopped at a cathedral to calm down. Asked a woman official for prayer: she looked horrified, said she would return after doing something important and disappeared. I waited in vain.
How different to the time when a church elder and his wife prayed for me. I buried my first dog (large alsatian) the previous day and ended up with paralysing stiffness: could not turn my head or lift my arms. They laid hands on me and prayed in tongues. Immediately I felt the pain and stiffness melt away.
Saw them the following week and told them how strange it was that I felt ready for another dog (I expected to be grief stricken and in deep mourning). Great, they said, we’ve got one for you! Enter dog No. 2 Benjamin Henley, very handsome golden retriever. How’s that?!
I meant if you go to services/events at churches sometimes they offer to pray for people at those. Would be more difficult to pray for anyone who stops by asking for prayers as if they’re ordering a sandwich.
I don’t know if this will answer your question, but I have found quite a few helpful things for my own prayer life on this site:
https://orthodoxprayer.org
Lots of prayers and articles about praying.
I always try to pray with intent. I don’t pray for certain things (new job, more money) but I pray for strength, courage, peace, etc. I pray for others a lot too. I try to be so humble as can be. I also try to read the Bible with intent. Not just to read the words but feel the words too. I am a beginner and I am truly trying to be right in God’s ways. It can be so hard but he gives me strength (because I prayed for strength). God bless you Sphinx🙏
Here are Jesus’ instructions with regard to alms and prayers:
3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
Here is the pattern itself. I know in many churches repeat these scriptures as a prayer but they’re actually a pattern for prayer:
Matt. 6: 9-13
[9After this manner therefore pray ye:
[9Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
I can’t get the print straight up there…
Can’t get the print right
Funny about that
Sun on the water might help
He’s walking right now.
Well put.
I also believe that motivation is the foundation for prayer, (and life), plus humility, surrender, and a willingness to accept the outcome, whatever it may be.
Simply put - leave ego at the door and “be careful what you wish for”.
IF it is a proper request, not only should you wish for it, you should ASK for it!
You will receive guidance regarding your request and if it’s granted, God MUST get all Glory.
The Book of James gives very good information on this subject, esp. chapter 4. IMO, the most practical, useful Letter in The Bible. Short, sweet and filled with great insight!
Rats!.. the Lord’s prayer would seem to be a “scripted prayer” and hence a vain repetition. Boy have a LOT of us gotten THAT wrong for 2023 years!
That makes two more of us, Joseph. 
I’m not a theological scholar. So I wonder if it’s possible that not all repetition is vain.
There can be vain repetitions, and non- vain repetitions. The “pray with your heart spontaneous” prayer fostered by so many evangelicals is itself often a vain repetition, full of empty formulae (like, “…we just want to…”) and at best a usually “binitarian” doxology ending them, and these in turn can promote some very bad attitudes, like the idea that all “scripted prayers” are vain repetitions.