Is there a format to prayer?

[GodIsGracious]

I’m curious because when I pray it sounds so … “in the vernacular.” And I’ve heard people come up with very nice prayers.

What I mean by this question is this. The only analogy I can come up with is a school essay paper. In school you’re taught that the essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. That’s an essay.

I’m asking what is a prayer? Is there a structure to prayer? If so, what is that structure?

I’d like my prayers to be nicer and not so elementary.

 

[musicality]

I don’t really have a format for prayer at all…
That being said, the most important part of prayer is the content–what you are praying for, and why you are praying for that. The rest usually falls into place!

I know what you mean when you say that some people’s prayers just plain sound good. I don’t know that there is a secret, but I personally don’t worry about making it sound good. I think about the content, and what comes out, comes out. And honestly, I think a lot of it is “practice”–although it can’t really be called practice because every prayer is the real deal.

 

[fide]

I’m curious because when I pray it sounds so … “in the vernacular.” And I’ve heard people come up with very nice prayers.

What I mean by this question is this. The only analogy I can come up with is a school essay paper. In school you’re taught that the essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. That’s an essay.

I’m asking what is a prayer? Is there a structure to prayer? If so, what is that structure?

I’d like my prayers to be nicer and not so elementary.

St. Teresa taught that good vocal prayer requires 1) attention and 2) devotion. We must first be attentive:

1. to who is praying. That is, we must pray in the truth and integrity and sincerity of who we in fact are, before God. There must be no hypocrisy or pretense of any sort. Be real. Be honest.
2. to Whom we are praying. We are praying to God. This calls us to due humility, reverence and awareness that we are in the Presence of Holy God, seeking the communion of prayer with Him.
3. to what we are saying. There ought to be no mindless mouthing of mere words - we must mean what we say and say what we mean. We must understand and know the content of our prayer. This is especially important in praying “formula” prayers such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and so on. Be attentive to the meanings of the words, the meanings of the petitions - and sincerely mean the meanings.

Devotion requires the sincere intention of the will, of the heart - of obedience.

 

[Epistemes]

Merton says in one of his books that if we’re just going through the motions of prayer without actually paying attention to what we’re saying, then it’s not really prayer. Therefore, any “method” could be dangerous.

Good prayer is free and spontaneous; the best prayer is without any words whatsoever.

 

[Miserissima]

I’m asking what is a prayer? Is there a structure to prayer? If so, what is that structure?

As St. Teresa tells us, prayer is a conversation with God, and is done well when it is heartfelt and free flowing. However, in more “formal” situations, or when I need a little structure, I use these guidelines:

When praying to the Father:

1. Address
2. Praise
3. Petition
4. Thanks, with confidence

Example:

1. Heavenly father, Ancient of days,
   2, You are the most holy and Almighty Father, who sent us your son in mercy and the Holy Spirit in Your compassion.
2. Let us offer ouyr prayers to you today on behalf of all of out CAF brothers and sisters, that you may hear and respond to the most urgent needs of their hearts today, Lord.
3. We ask this through Christ our Lord, in whom we place our every hope, Amen.

When asking for saints’ intercession:

1. Address
2. Praise - Patronage, perhaps a line about his or her life (this is how it will relate to your prayer)
3. Petition
4. Thanks, with confidence (perhaps a promise to spread their devotion)
5. Mention that you pray “with them to the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” (That way people don’t get the wrong idea that you’re asking the saint for a favor, but only his/her intercession for a favor.)

Example:

1. Good Saint Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin,
2. You had, according to legend, your own trioals as both a parent and a grandparent.
3. Let me follow your example, in that I may never lose heart in God’s mercy and goodness.
4. I will forever thank you for your intercession, if you will help me to persevere.
5. Help me to keep my faith strong, I pray with you to God the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

[GodIsGracious]

Miserissima,

PERFECT! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you!

As St. Teresa tells us, prayer is a conversation with God, and is done well when it is heartfelt and free flowing. However, in more “formal” situations, or when I need a little structure, I use these guidelines:

When praying to the Father:

1. Address
2. Praise
3. Petition
4. Thanks, with confidence

Example:

1. Heavenly father, Ancient of days,
   2, You are the most holy and Almighty Father, who sent us your son in mercy and the Holy Spirit in Your compassion.
2. Let us offer ouyr prayers to you today on behalf of all of out CAF brothers and sisters, that you may hear and respond to the most urgent needs of their hearts today, Lord.
3. We ask this through Christ our Lord, in whom we place our every hope, Amen.

When asking for saints’ intercession:

1. Address
2. Praise - Patronage, perhaps a line about his or her life (this is how it will relate to your prayer)
3. Petition
4. Thanks, with confidence (perhaps a promise to spread their devotion)
5. Mention that you pray “with them to the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” (That way people don’t get the wrong idea that you’re asking the saint for a favor, but only his/her intercession for a favor.)

Example:

1. Good Saint Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin,
2. You had, according to legend, your own trioals as both a parent and a grandparent.
3. Let me follow your example, in that I may never lose heart in God’s mercy and goodness.
4. I will forever thank you for your intercession, if you will help me to persevere.
5. Help me to keep my faith strong, I pray with you to God the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

[DebChris]

Prayer is a conversation between you and God.
He knows what is in your heart. That is more important than how beautiful the words might be.

 

[GodIsGracious]

Prayer is a conversation between you and God.
He knows what is in your heart. That is more important than how beautiful the words might be.

Oh, I know. It wasn’t about beautiful words, or how to pray, but what the structure of a prayer would be rather than simple ramblings. Although, I do know that those are “valid” as well.

I have noticed that my prayers have no structure. I’m wanting that structure right now.

 

[ConservativeOne]

You’ve already received some very good answers but aside from those formal prayers we are taught, I’d say that - Prayer is talking to God, be it petitioning Him for a favor or grace or to thank Him. Prayer is conversing with God in your own words, be it aloud or quietly. God hears us all, and I’d think He’d be pleased in your effort to learn. Start simply. Ask, and you shall receive. His Will be done.