Is there an improper way to pray?

We all will face moments when we struggle with prayer, and eventually our bodies may succumb to an inability to function in the way that we want them to. But no matter what obstacles may seem to keep us from prayer, there really is no wrong way to pray. God meets us where we are.


Is there an incorrect way to pray?

There is no right or wrong way to pray during Adoration. It may be helpful to use a prayer book, or read Scripture, or another spiritual book, or pray the rosary.

What does the Bible say about praying wrongly?

James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” We don't get our prayers answered because our motives are impure and wrong. God answers prayers according to His will and desires.


What should you not do when praying?

6 mistakes to avoid when praying
  1. Only praying when we need something. ...
  2. Drawing attention to ourselves. ...
  3. Making demands. ...
  4. Believing that God cannot answer our prayers. ...
  5. Comparing our prayers to others. ...
  6. Praying to anyone other than God.


What prayers are an abomination to God?

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.


Are You Praying Wrong?



How did Jesus say we should pray?

Jesus taught, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men … but when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your father who is unseen.”

How do you properly pray in the Bible?

How to Pray Using Scripture
  1. Recognize the Context. Read several chapters or verses before and after the passage to ensure you understand what the passage is about.
  2. Select Applicable Passages. Some parts of a passage will be more useful for your own prayer than others. ...
  3. Pray from Your Perspective. ...
  4. Personalize Your Praise.


What does the Bible say is the proper way to pray?

In the Bible people prayed on their knees (1 Kings 8:54), bowing (Exodus 4:31), on their faces before God (2 Chronicles 20:18; Matthew 26:39), and standing (1 Kings 8:22). You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud—in whatever way you are most comfortable and least distracted.


What is the most neglected type of prayer?

Perhaps the most neglected type of prayer is a prayer of thanksgiving. While praying “Grace” before meals is a good example of a prayer of thanksgiving, we should get into the habit of thanking God throughout the day for all the good things that happen to us and others.

What stops God from hearing our prayers?

Four Hindrances to Prayer
  • Ignoring God's Word. If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. ( ...
  • Loving Sin. ...
  • Desiring Wrongly. ...
  • Doubting God.


What makes God not to answer our prayers?

- As long as your prayers are for selfish motives, driven by pride hidden in your heart, God will not answer them. - Other versions start this verse with “don't be anxious” in place of “Be careful…” - Once you know God has said yes, you know you will receive it.


Is praying silently OK?

Silence and solitude are essential aspects of contemplative prayer, a practice of prayer that waits on God and trusts in God's present love and grace. While silence can be especially helpful in becoming attentive to God while praying, it is hardly an excuse to remain aloof from the needs of our neighbors.

Does God accept all prayers?

God hears all your prayers (Psalm 139:4, 1 John 5:14–15, 1 Peter 3:12) and, in one sense, he answers all your prayers. But we do not always receive what we ask for. When we ask God for something, the response will be 'Yes' or 'No' or 'Wait'.

What is the purest form of prayer?

Pure prayer is prayer with few words (or none!). St. Benedict seems to suggest a quality or state of prayer that goes beyond mere methods for prayer. Thomas Merton, the 20th-century Trappist monk, insisted that prayer is not about methods.


Does God speak to us when we pray?

As we pray for direction from the Lord, in many cases He doesn't answer by saying something to us. Instead, He answers through His peace. As you seek the Lord's guidance, you should always pay attention to the level of peace in your life regarding the issue you are seeking Him about.

Does God command us to pray?

God's Word Calls Us to Pray

One key reason to pray is because God has commanded us to pray. If we are to be obedient to His will, then prayer must be part of our life in Him.

Do you need to kneel to pray?

There is not a biblical command that says you must stand, you must kneel, or you must sit. There are examples of standing, sitting and kneeling in worship throughout the scriptures, but there is no command.


What is the only prayer that Jesus taught us?

He said to them, "When you pray, say: "`Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.

Who does the Bible say to pray too?

"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you" (Col. 1:3 NKJ). If you want your prayers answered, you should pray to God, the Father, using the name of Jesus (His good standing).

What are two things Jesus taught us about prayer?

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. He said that some people pray only so others will see them praying. Jesus taught that we should say our personal prayers where we can be alone, if possible. He said that some people say the same words over and over when they pray.


What does the Bible say about unspoken prayer request?

We often don't know how to pray as we ought, Paul teaches us, and in that “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26). The person who asks for an unspoken prayer request may well just be in this process, trying to figure out how to pray and for what to ask.

What are the excuses to not pray?

1. “I'm too busy!” (Jesus had a packed ministry schedule but he made time to pray.) 2. “I don't know how to do it right.” (How about just try talking to God like you would a friend?)

What is considered an abomination in the Bible?

It is mainly used to denote idolatry; and in many other cases it refers to inherently evil things such as illicit sex, lying, murder, deceit, etc.; and for unclean foods.