MOG Day 3 – Private Prayer

Let’s face it. There are people who can pray and people who can talk to God. Is there a difference? Not really. But I had a friend in seminary who would pray for us and it sounded like he’d spent hours writing something when he was really just speaking from his heart.

When I pray, I sound like I’m talking to an old friend. Yet God still understands me with my “ums” and “you knows” and other non-polished words that I use.

Jesus does help us out and gives us some guidelines – mostly because some people were praying just to hear themselves talk. He says this (from The Message):

Matthew 7-13 “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.


So I can’t give you a formula or advice. All I can say is pray simply. And pray often.

Until Everyone Hears,