Praying Is there a Right or Wrong Way to Pray?

[JaguarKat]

My question is is there a right or wrong way to pray? More over how does one pray? Is it like meditation where you think about Jesus or Mary and just speak to them like regular people? I think my main stumbling block would be praying. Not knowing how it’s kinda hard to know what to do. I know I must sound incredibly stupid. I feel stupid honestly. When I went to church with my grandfather when I was small people would bow their heads while some guy went on with a long winded prayer and I never knew what he was doing. I did not understand it. I do however like chanting. I always have. Can chanting be a prayer? I hope you all don’t get tired of me asking questions.

 

[pablope]

My question is is there a right or wrong way to pray? More over how does one pray? Is it like meditation where you think about Jesus or Mary and just speak to them like regular people? I think my main stumbling block would be praying. Not knowing how it’s kinda hard to know what to do. I know I must sound incredibly stupid. I feel stupid honestly. When I went to church with my grandfather when I was small people would bow their heads while some guy went on with a long winded prayer and I never knew what he was doing. I did not understand it. I do however like chanting. I always have. Can chanting be a prayer? I hope you all don’t get tired of me asking questions.

Not at all…continue asking questions.

The right way to pray…we catholics start with the sign of the cross…for basics…I would say start with the Lord’s prayer…think about the words of the prayer itself.

My suggestion is to talk to a priest…look up the nearest catholic parish near you and make an appointment…he could guide you.

 

[clintondyches]

My question is is there a right or wrong way to pray? More over how does one pray? Is it like meditation where you think about Jesus or Mary and just speak to them like regular people? I think my main stumbling block would be praying. Not knowing how it’s kinda hard to know what to do. I know I must sound incredibly stupid. I feel stupid honestly. When I went to church with my grandfather when I was small people would bow their heads while some guy went on with a long winded prayer and I never knew what he was doing. I did not understand it. I do however like chanting. I always have. Can chanting be a prayer? I hope you all don’t get tired of me asking questions.

Of course, chant is prayer - vocal prayer. The CCC lists three ‘types’ of prayer - vocal, meditative and contemplative. Read the fourth section of the CCC - all devoted to prayer. I can also recommend Fr. Thomas Dubay’s Prayer Primer : Igniting a Fire Within, which does an excellent job of describing each type of prayer (although I think that he almost discourages vocal prayer, which I find most helpful as beginning my prayer day).

Clinton

 

[nhamm10]

I don’t feel there is a right way or wrong way. Whatever Glorifies God, keeps him in your heart and thanks him for your blessings! My in laws think Catholics don’t know how to pray because of our memorization of prayer and they say it is not “personal”.
Whatever way you decide to pray as long as it is from the heart that is the best way. God knows our hearts. That is what I tell them! So chant, mediate, talk, recite whatever you are comfortable with!

 

[JaguarKat]

Thank You Everyone! I will look into the Prayer Primer Book for sure. I am going with my husband to books a million today so I hope I can find it. Again thank you!

 

[johnthebaptist2]

When I pray, I pray with word,s that come from my heart,sometimes I say prays from pray cards I have,but when I do,I stop and talk,either with Mary or Jesus,than I wait for Jesus or Mary to touch my heart, knowing by the feelings I receive in my heart, they have heard me.
Jesus and Mary also hear us when we sng to them,praising them with all our Hearts.
:bible1:

 

[HelenRose]

I would say that there are no wrong ways to pray but there are many many right ways to pray. I love the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I also love reading prayer books. And simple conversations with God, Jesus and his saints get me through the day.