Those new to praying – and even those who have prayed most of their lives – often have common questions about prayer. Some of those questions have relatively simple answers, others can be more complicated. Don’t be hesitant to ask questions about praying. Any clergy member will be happy to answer your questions. When searching for answers on your own, remember that prayer is an important part of Christianity. Communicating with your Lord and Savior on a personal basis or within a community of a church only requires one thing: faith.
A Few Words About Christianity and Prayer
Christians around the world pray to God every day. Sometimes those prayers are given in private, a one-on-one if you will, between an individual and God. At other times, prayers are offered in a group setting such as in a church. Is praying in private acceptable? Yes! Jesus Christ tells us so in the book of Matthew, Chapter 8, verses 5-8.
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers the Lord’s Prayer, offered to mankind as an example of how we could pray to God. This is one example the He gave us about prayer. In that same sermon, He also told us how we should pray in private. Praying to God in silence, in private, or in a group or congregation of people are all aspect of spiritual growth and faith.
Christianity and prayer go hand in hand. Prayers are an important and invaluable way to build a personal relationship with God and His son, to ask for blessings or to offer thankfulness and gratitude. A few other common questions about prayer are also frequently asked.
Does a prayer have to be formal or can it be informal? The purpose of prayer is to open a line of communication to God, His son Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and even to the heavenly realm of saints and angels. God is Holy, and as such, even informal prayers should be lifted up with courtesy and respectfulness for His power and glory. His son Jesus Christ wants us to have a relationship with Him and His Father in heaven, so even the simplest prayer, when offered with sincerity, is welcomed. In fact, any communication between you and God can be considered a prayer, even if it is informally given.
Other Common Questions About Prayer and Christianity
New believers often ask other questions about prayer and Christianity. Remember, prayer is communication between you and God, His son Jesus Christ, as well as the Holy Spirit. You speak to people every day; family members, friends, even strangers, so why wouldn’t you speak to God as well? If you’re seeking a closer relationship with Him, prayer is the way to communicate with Him.
Why Should I Pray, and Does Prayer Work?
Praying to God can be done anywhere; in your head, by yourself, out loud, or with a group of people. As long as you believe that your prayer will reach God’s ears, and that He does hear you, you have opened an important, valuable, and faith-based avenue for your message or prayer to reach your Heavenly Father.
Does prayer work? Yes! However, it’s important to remember that God knows far better than you what you need. While your prayers are always heard, that doesn’t mean to imply that you’ll get an answer right away. Yield to God and wait for His answer in His own time, not yours. All your prayers matter to Him. Your prayers might not be answered in the way you hoped, but they will be answered according to God’s judgement and His plan for your path through life.
If your prayer is not answered, does it mean God isn’t listening? No. Prayer is not the end-all to receiving what YOU want. Prayer is a way to teach us to accept God’s will FOR us. Prayer reaffirms our reliance on God and our ability to accept His will, not the other way around.
Do I Have to Use a Rosary?
In the Catholic faith, a rosary or a string of beads, are commonly seen and used by believers. The rosary is often used and held during devotions. The rosary is actually a Catholic ritual that involves meditation and specific prayers. The rosary is often held during these prayers that can include the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Hail Mary, spoken either out loud or silently by someone observing their devotion to God, Jesus Christ, and His mother, Mary. The rosary itself symbolizes and encourages that individual to reflect on a number of life’s greatest mysteries such as glory, sorrow, joy, and the radiance and glory of God.
Does Christianity Provide a Benefit to You?
Other common questions about prayer are prevalent, but remember that the most important thing about prayer is that it give you the opportunity to opening your heart and spirit to God. Prayer can give you confidence and assurance that He is watching over you and hears your prayers. In other words, prayer benefits the Christian in many ways. Praying not only offers you the chance to speak to God from your heart, but is also a way to acknowledge the He is the ultimate high power.
In this way, the Christian gains confidence, trust and faith in God’s wisdom and judgment, and through prayer itself, handing over one’s uncertainties, doubts, or fears to God. Prayers should be offered with belief, faith, and with purity of heart. In the book of James (New Testament, James: Chapter 5, verse 13,) James writes, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
Prayer is an act of faith, one that encourages us to follow God and His teachings, and to live a good and decent Christian life by following the teachings of Jesus Christ, and believing that he is the son of God and our Savior.
