How to pray

[TheRealJuliane]

I hope this is the right place for this post; I see that there are instructions on how to pray the rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, etc. at the top of this forum but my question is not about the “nuts and bolts” of doing those prayers, although I need a lot of work on that, too…

I just wonder if I am praying effectively. How do you pray? I am afraid that all I am doing is thinking thoughts about a particular person or subject.

I was not really ever taught how to pray, except for the childish basics of the Our Father, Glory Be, and Hail Mary. My catechesis stopped before age 10, when my mother was ill and then passed away. Now, given that it was 1967, maybe the catchesis wouldn’t have done anything for me anyway, but…I didn’t have the opportunity.

What do you do to pray for people who need prayer? Do you stop and think in your mind, like I do, “God, please help x because she needs help with y?” And then talk to God about your love or concern for that person, all silently of course? Do you always pray on your knees? I have a problem praying next to my bed, it seems irreverant somehow and don’t ask me why, it just does. I have considered getting a kneeler to put in a closet (yes I have one I could use) because if hubby saw it he would not appreciate my greater desire for faithful prayer.

When you pray the rosary for an intention, when do you think of that intention or bring it to mind?

I guess my fear or concern is that all I am doing is thinking thoughts and that there is some other form of prayer or some way to pray that I am missing. I have had a hard time praying aloud in my family because my husband does not really support it (in case you haven’t read any of my other threads yet, he’s Catholic in form but not in belief, he’s almost an atheist as far as I can tell). Is thinking about the person and asking for God’s help silently enough? Does God hear our interior thoughts? Is that what prayer is?

And, when I think that God has answered me, am I hearing just my own voice inside my head, or is it truly God’s voice? There aren’t any burning bushes, and sometimes I wonder if it’s just me, replying to my own thoughts. Does that sound weird?

I just want to be as effective as I can, and not try to convince myself that I am in contact with God if I am not. I love the rosary and I do not yet have all the Mary prayers at the end memorized, but I read them from my little prayer book. I just went to Friday Mass with the rosary following and LOVED it, and am going to do it every week.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

 

[crystal_waters]

I hope this is the right place for this post; I see that there are instructions on how to pray the rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, etc. at the top of this forum but my question is not about the “nuts and bolts” of doing those prayers, although I need a lot of work on that, too…

I just wonder if I am praying effectively. How do you pray? I am afraid that all I am doing is thinking thoughts about a particular person or subject.

I was not really ever taught how to pray, except for the childish basics of the Our Father, Glory Be, and Hail Mary. My catechesis stopped before age 10, when my mother was ill and then passed away. Now, given that it was 1967, maybe the catchesis wouldn’t have done anything for me anyway, but…I didn’t have the opportunity.

What do you do to pray for people who need prayer? Do you stop and think in your mind, like I do, “God, please help x because she needs help with y?” And then talk to God about your love or concern for that person, all silently of course? Do you always pray on your knees? I have a problem praying next to my bed, it seems irreverant somehow and don’t ask me why, it just does. I have considered getting a kneeler to put in a closet (yes I have one I could use) because if hubby saw it he would not appreciate my greater desire for faithful prayer.

When you pray the rosary for an intention, when do you think of that intention or bring it to mind?

I guess my fear or concern is that all I am doing is thinking thoughts and that there is some other form of prayer or some way to pray that I am missing. I have had a hard time praying aloud in my family because my husband does not really support it (in case you haven’t read any of my other threads yet, he’s Catholic in form but not in belief, he’s almost an atheist as far as I can tell). Is thinking about the person and asking for God’s help silently enough? Does God hear our interior thoughts? Is that what prayer is?

And, when I think that God has answered me, am I hearing just my own voice inside my head, or is it truly God’s voice? There aren’t any burning bushes, and sometimes I wonder if it’s just me, replying to my own thoughts. Does that sound weird?

I just want to be as effective as I can, and not try to convince myself that I am in contact with God if I am not. I love the rosary and I do not yet have all the Mary prayers at the end memorized, but I read them from my little prayer book. I just went to Friday Mass with the rosary following and LOVED it, and am going to do it every week.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

you can pray anyway that you choose, in your mind or out loud…god knows every thought you have so he will know every prayer that you are saying to him…

to pray for people i just say the jesus prayer…jesus christ son of god have mercy on me a sinner…then i add a petition on the end for whatever im praying for…

try checking out this site too…may give you inspiration to pray

missionbell.homestead.com/Afavourgrantedbytheholysouls.html

 

[AnneTeresa]

Hi Juliane,

I’m no expert, but I’ll give you what help I can.

What do you do to pray for people who need prayer? Do you stop and think in your mind, like I do, “God, please help x because she needs help with y?” And then talk to God about your love or concern for that person, all silently of course?

Yes, I often do this.

Do you always pray on your knees?

No, I rarely in fact pray on my knees except at mass or adoration. I often at home feel the urge however, to fall to my knees in prayer. Usually don’t do it because I’m with someone else, or for some other reason

When you pray the rosary for an intention, when do you think of that intention or bring it to mind?

I offer up the intention at the beginning of the rosary (or the decade if I’m praying a decade. That way I can still concentrate on the mystery as I go through the prayers.

Is thinking about the person and asking for God’s help silently enough? Does God hear our interior thoughts? Is that what prayer is?

Yes, asking for God’s help silently is prayer and God hears our thoughts when we pray silently, as well as aloud.

And, when I think that God has answered me, am I hearing just my own voice inside my head, or is it truly God’s voice? There aren’t any burning bushes, and sometimes I wonder if it’s just me, replying to my own thoughts. Does that sound weird?

I think a lot of people wonder this at times and it is hard to answer. I do think God speaks to us in your heart and mind as well as in other ways like through Scripture and through other people. I think the main thing is to seek him with your heart and your mind and He will reveal Himself to you in the way that He thinks is best.

I still have to read some of the rosary prayers (well, the Creed to be specific because I get it mixed up with the longer Creed from Mass) and I know that is perfectly ok. Praying the Rosary brings lots of peace and I’ve seen changes in my family too as I’ve prayed the Rosary for them.

I hope this helps some.

 

[po18guy]

Here is a post from another thread. There might be something in it that will help.

PREPARE: Important: Let any anger, frustration, resentment or preoccupation go - before you seek to pray. It is always good to be up on the Sacraments before you pray - Reconciliation and Eucharist. Unforgiven sins are a burden on your soul which can hinder effective prayer and distract you from that prayer. You need a proper environment in which to pray. If you can, find and arrange a spot in your house where you can spend time in prayer relatively undisturbed. Consider placing a picture, a bible, a candle or other sacramental item there to assist you.

In the Lord’s prayer, we pray “forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us” We will see little result from our prayers if we lack forgiveness, or harbor hardness of heart toward others. Forgiveness of those who have wronged you opens the door to effective prayer. You cannot hold both a grudge and prayer intentions in the same heart. One will force the other out.

Prayer is intensely personal and, as part of preparation, it would be good to speak with your Priest or spiritual director about the forms it might take. There are many good books on the subject, probably even in your parish library.

POSTURE: In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus threw Himself headlong onto the ground. He assumed a position which was proper for the type of prayer He was offering, and reflected the depth and sincerity of that prayer. Kneeling is the most common posture, but sitting or even standing are also fine. Try different postures during prayer. Holding your hands in the classic “praying hands” position is quite natural. I find that kneeling, while holding my arms in the lifting position, palms up, is good. We “lift” those for whom we pray up in prayer, right?

Next, recall that you received the gifts of the Holy Spirit at your confirmation. Those gifts are meant to be used. You have a desire for prayer and this indicates that the gifts you possess are intended for prayer. You have probably heard about “praying in the Spirit”. This is not an eccentric charismatic craze, but is the manner in which we are intended to offer prayer. You need a moment of silence before you begin. An examination of conscience will help. Call upon the Holy Spirit to be present to you. You may very well sense this when it occurs. The Holy Spirit is especially present, in a most powerful and awe-inspiring way, when you pray before Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. At Adoration, prayer is magnified.

PRAYER: There are several types of prayer: Adoration, Praise, Thanksgiving, Petition and Contemplation (probably others as well). Adoration we give to God for His own sake - just because He is. He deserves praise for all that He is: Love, goodness, mercy, Creator of all that exists. Thanksgiving is exactly that - thanks for what we, or others have received and are receiving. Petition is probably the most common type of prayer. We are always asking for things. In truth, since God does not change, what we do through prayers of petition is to conform our wills to His. We are at peace when we humbly accept God’s will (“thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”). Contemplative prayer is a profound and very satisfying type. The Rosary is a perfect example of contemplative prayer. We simply contemplate the immensity and beauty of God and His presence in our lives.

Begin with a moment of silence and place yourself in the Lord’s presence. In the words of Padre Pio, be cognizant of how small you are and how Great He is. Pray as if speaking directly to Him - because you are. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Simply repeating words or phrases will return little, if anything. Speak to God and know that He hears every prayer. Since God knows your heart, some prayers can be without words, as that best conveys your intention at that moment. As to the form of your prayer, you might try an introduction, body, and conclusion (just like a speech) as it lends needed structure so that you do not ramble. Simple, direct, from the heart prayers are always the best.

PRACTICE. Offer prayers of thanksgiving before your feet touch the floor in the morning. Offer thanks for your family, your faith, your home. Give thanks before eating, while driving, once you arrive, and for all good things which occur during the day. Pray upon retiring for the evening. Pray constantly, as Saint Paul teaches. Practice makes perfect in prayer.

PATIENCE: A thousand years are like a day to the Lord. Some prayers are answered immediately. Others seemingly never. Have patience with God as He has patience with you. Ask that His will be done, which is the prayer of a humble heart. God sees the big picture, and we see only a quick glimpse of a small part of that picture. In matters of life, there is always more involved than we know. I pray that something here will help you.

Christ’s peace be with you.

 

[Belle10]

Praying silently or aloud is fine – God hears both.

I often pray one-line prayers throughout the day, like “Please take care of my family” and “Please guard and protect my child with your angels” (I always pray this before naps and bedtime).

When you pray the rosary for an intention, when do you think of that intention or bring it to mind?

When I get to the first three Hail Mary prayers at the beginning of the Rosary, I “say” (silently is how I’m usually praying the Rosary) what I’m offering those three prayers for (specific intentions). Then, while praying the rest, you meditate on the mysteries. Then at the end I add three additional Hail Mary prayers for three additional specific intentions. That’s nothing “official” – but I figure adding a few more is OK.

I guess my fear or concern is that all I am doing is thinking thoughts and that there is some other form of prayer or some way to pray that I am missing.

Prayer is talking to God. You really can’t mess it up – just talk to Him about your concerns, your fears, your joys, your gratitude.

And, when I think that God has answered me, am I hearing just my own voice inside my head, or is it truly God’s voice? There aren’t any burning bushes, and sometimes I wonder if it’s just me, replying to my own thoughts. Does that sound weird?

It doesn’t sound weird. Sometimes a thought will enter my mind while I’m still praying for something, and I wonder the same thing – is that an answer or is my mind getting ahead of my prayer? A good thing to remember is that if an “answer” goes against Church teaching it probably isn’t from God.

I just want to be as effective as I can, and not try to convince myself that I am in contact with God if I am not. I love the rosary and I do not yet have all the Mary prayers at the end memorized, but I read them from my little prayer book. I just went to Friday Mass with the rosary following and LOVED it, and am going to do it every week.

That’s wonderful! I also have a devotion to the Rosary and the Divine Mercy. I heard something wonderful on EWTN the other day: a man named Dr. Ted Sri was talking about a book he wrote about the Rosary. He said that he and his kids sit on the couch and look at photo albums and remember and talk about when each kid was born, different things in their lives (whatever the pictures are about). He said this is what we do when we pray the Rosary: we sit with Mary and she shows us various points during Jesus’ life. Isn’t that beautiful?

As far as being effective, don’t worry about that. Your prayers being answered isn’t up to you, it’s up to God. You just focus on loving Him through your prayer and he’ll do the rest.

 

[Carlan]

. I heard something wonderful on EWTN the other day:* a man named Dr. Ted Sri was talking about a book he wrote about the Rosary. *He said that he and his kids sit on the couch and look at photo albums and remember and talk about when each kid was born, different things in their lives (whatever the pictures are about). He said this is what we do when we pray the Rosary: we sit with Mary and she shows us various points during Jesus’ life. Isn’t that beautiful?

As far as being effective, don’t worry about that. Your prayers being answered isn’t up to you, it’s up to God. You just focus on loving Him through your prayer and he’ll do the rest.

Belle, you mentioned Dr.Edward Sri, He is a wonderful Catholic Author.Several years ago he wrote a marvelous book on Biblical insights for praying the 20 mysteries of the Rosary. It is entitled "The New Rosary in Scripture’ I love it! I am an older person though, I live alone and have much more time to spend in prayer than a young mother would have. But for others who seek such prayer it is so worth looking into.
God bless everyone for their insight. Peace, Carlan

 

[TheRealJuliane]

That’s wonderful! I also have a devotion to the Rosary and the Divine Mercy. I heard something wonderful on EWTN the other day: a man named Dr. Ted Sri was talking about a book he wrote about the Rosary. He said that he and his kids sit on the couch and look at photo albums and remember and talk about when each kid was born, different things in their lives (whatever the pictures are about). He said this is what we do when we pray the Rosary: we sit with Mary and she shows us various points during Jesus’ life. Isn’t that beautiful?

As far as being effective, don’t worry about that. Your prayers being answered isn’t up to you, it’s up to God. You just focus on loving Him through your prayer and he’ll do the rest.

Oh, I really like that image, of looking through the “scrapbook” of Jesus! That’s just lovely!

I went to Mass this morning and right afterward, a rosary was said…Each decade was led by a different person. A couple of them said something extra about the mystery, the others just stated what it was and then started in with the prayers. I guess when you get led, you can’t take your time and really ponder the mystery as you can at home. I like following along with Mother Angelica and the nuns…Each mystery has a little extra prayer.

I felt so good when I left! I really enjoyed the Mass with no music at all. I am going to start going on the weekdays whenever I can. Completely different from Sunday Masses. Much more down to earth and real.

Thanks for the helpful information on prayer! Thanks to everyone who has answered so far! I guess when I am “thinking” about someone, or thinking a conversation, I am doing what everyone does, more or less.

 

[Belle10]

Belle, you mentioned Dr.Edward Sri, He is a wonderful Catholic Author.Several years ago he wrote a marvelous book on Biblical insights for praying the 20 mysteries of the Rosary. It is entitled "The New Rosary in Scripture’ I love it! I am an older person though, I live alone and have much more time to spend in prayer than a young mother would have. But for others who seek such prayer it is so worth looking into.
God bless everyone for their insight. Peace, Carlan

That’s the book they were talking about the other night. I love to read and while I don’t have lots of uninterrupted time to pray, I pray throughout the day as best I can. I think I’ll check it out!

Oh, I really like that image, of looking through the “scrapbook” of Jesus! That’s just lovely!

Yeah, that really hit me too. It’s just so simple, so beautiful, so true.

I’m glad you’re enjoying Mass so much! I’ll say a prayer for you and your husband, that he’ll come back to the Church fully.

 

[ready]

Pray always from the heart, and pray to God in the Blessed Sacrament and in your soul.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I often just site with my eyes closed and turn interiorly to God who dwells within.

Just resting in His presence, I will silently say the Lord’s name, “Lord Jesus.”

If I find myself distracted by erroneous thoughts, I return to the words, “Lord Jesus,” and direct my focus back to God’s presence within.

Jim