How do we pray?

[Shiloah]

I was wondering how do the folk here pray? I mean, do you have set times during the day when you pray, like three times a day?

Is there a form to be followed, like the eighteen benedictions, and also I read somewhere that every Jew was expected to aim for 100 "Blessings" a day. I find it totally amazing the difference in the way Jews and Christians consider prayer. For Christians it so often seems to be a "rubbing of the Genie bottle" almost no different from wishing.

With the Jewish form of prayer it seems to me (in my inexperience I will add) that the focus always seems to be on the greatness of Adonai, concentrating on what He has already done, and blessing Him for that. Like, a Christian will usually pray a "Thank you Lord for the rain" or a "Bless Uncle Jim" but it seems strange to imagine them saying "Blessed are You, Lord Our G-d, King of the Universe, for you send rain to water the earth."

I don't know if there is already a thread on this. It seems fascinating to me for some reason. I think I am being challenged about what, intrinsically, is prayer anyway?

Is the Lord's Prayer, the one where Yeshua taught his talmidim to pray, one used in Messianic Judaism? I admit with some sadness that after years of hearing Yeshua's words (Lord's prayer) said in such a ritualistic way in a Church setting, it has lost much of it's power for me. Over familiarity, perhaps?

Shalom, brothers and sisters, in Yeshua.

[messimom]

I think this is truly each persons personal journey and decision. I do know some turn towards Jerusalem when in prayer. And yes, Judiasm has a prayer or blessing for EVERYTHING it seems. I just try to pray and bless equally. Many times I find when I bless YHVH for what He has given me, I either get what I need in return--without even asking...or I find that what I thought I needed are no longer as important.

[Elishava]

Interesting discussion...it seems that we as believers are so quick to ask G-d for things whether needs or our "wants," that we think are needs, that we forget His awesomeness and Majesty or maybe it's that we take for granted His attributes that we don't, everyday, fall on our faces before Him to praise and bless Him for Who He Is...YHVH

[Mark]

For me, prayer, is a ritual of coming before Adonai to be reminded that I am His and I am called to His purposes. There is confession of sin, praise for His goodness in specific areas, and expressions of concern for myself and others.

Prayer for me is very quiet. "Adonai is in heaven and you are on earth, therefore let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

The genie syndrome is common; and I must confess that prayer comes to my lips quite easily when I am faced with something totally beyond my control (usually after I've exhausted my own means). Yet I have found effective prayer for me to be in listening for direction, not giving it; and waiting on Him, not demanding His audience. As the years go on, I find that prayer takes more time and less verbage.

[Rick]

It's amazing how our prayers change with maturity. I have not prayed for "things" for so long I can hardly remember the last time.

יהוה is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. יהוה is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. Psalm 145:17-20

G-d is faithful, he always provides for our needs, there always seems to be enough. More than 'enough' is worldly. Learning to be content with what G-d provides is key."do not worry what you will wear or what you will eat".
My prayers focus on praise, the needs of others, the lost, etc.
When I do come before G-d with a request it is for wisdom, discernment, clarity, council, guidance and direction.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

As the years go on, I find that prayer takes more time and less verbiage.

May YHVH richly bless you all
Rick

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Amein achi Rick!

[Rick]

I thought you might enjoy this quote, it fits here nicely.
Aligning my will to God's E. Stanley Jones described the effect of prayer on us like this:

Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God. Aligned to God's redemptive will, anything, everything can happen in character, conduct, and creativeness. The whole person is heightened by that prayer contact. In that contact I find health for my body, illumination for my mind, and moral and spiritual reinforcement for my soul. "Prayer is a time exposure to God," so I expose myself to God for an hour and a half or two hours a day, asking less and less for things and more and more for Himself. For having Him, I have everything. He gives me what I need for character, conduct, and creativeness, so I'm rich with His riches, strong in His strength, pure in His purity, and able in His ability.

Baruch HaShem
Rick

[alon]

We are only guaranteed success when we pray in the Spirit. That doesn't mean tongues or "rubbing the lamp." It means in accordance with what His will is.

Salvation for the lost is always a good bet. It is His heart and why we are still here.

He wants to provide for us, but as has been said enough is all we need. Enough for our needs, and maybe some wants from time to time. And enough to do the work He sets for us.

And then there's "the list": our leaders, Israel, people we know need intercession, my latest aches and pains ...

My biggest problem is in praise. My pastor in a sermon said "praise is the alter on which our prayers are laid." I agree, but let's face it, He is God. How do we adequately praise an infinite God who we can only begin to understand? I generally feel inadequate when I do offer praise. So I try to think of a Psalm or maybe a song I've heard.

Dan C

[Isha]

1 Kings 8:38
if then any one (of your entire people Israel) has remorse of
conscience and offers some prayer or petition, stretching out his
hands toward this temple,
39
listen from your heavenly dwelling place and forgive. You who alone
know the hearts of all men, render to each one of them according to
his conduct; knowing their hearts, so treat them

[Micha'el]

Jul 12, 2005 3:34:57 GMT -8 Mark said:

For me, prayer, is a ritual of coming before Adonai to be reminded that I am His and I am called to His purposes. There is confession of sin, praise for His goodness in specific areas, and expressions of concern for myself and others.

Prayer for me is very quiet. "Adonai is in heaven and you are on earth, therefore let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

I pray with a focus on Adonai, then others needs. Sometimes I remember to ask for personal healing or provision, but I trust He already knows my needs.

Micha'el