Is it okay to invent a prayer?

[TomS333]

Can I invent prayers if I feel a need to or can’t find one that is what I want at that moment in time?
Is it okay to alter prayers if I can’t quite remember them properly?

 

[Zaccheus]

It’s okay to pray in your own words.

As for altering formal prayers, I’d be careful to avoid changing the meaning, and would want to go back to the original; but I see no harm in using your own words when you can’t remember the original.

 

[Irishmom2]

In your personal prayer life, you are fine to make up and personalize your prayers as needed.

 

[MCH1]

Yes inventing a prayer is good.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Absolutely.

We are not limited to praying set prayers that have been around forever. A prayer can be simply a conversation or a request. Talk with God as you would with a friend, about what is going on in your life, what you’re grateful for, what you need, what you hope for. Sometimes you may want to sit quietly with God, just being together without saying anything. All of that is prayer.

 

[CaptainPrudeman]

God is your Father in heaven. Talking to him in your own words is fine! I think everyone should at least once a day. It’s more raw than the formal prayers and helps your emotions surface.