First and foremost, i will emphasize that i am speaking about prayer TO the one true God Almighty. The One called Jehovah, Yahweh and many of the other innumerable names, the Only wise God.

i observe that to many people(both believers and unbelievers), prayer is a mystery. To many, it's an art. To many, it's a routine religious practice. Yet to many more, it's a joke.
The songwriter, Charley Pride of blessed memory, was so confident and emphatic to say "PRAYER WILL CHANGE THE NIGHT TO DAY". While the Church sings along, there are differing opinions to that statement. While some find it literally believeable, others find it literarily believeable, still some find it utterly preposterous. Well, prayer does generate a lot of difference, no pun intended.

In this thread, i will explain prayer over time. Secrets, hints, answers, doctrine etc. Over time meaning not in one page, one post, or one day. It's going to be some sort of compendium on prayer. i want to hope for honest questions in an attempt to understand or know more about prayer. i know it's going to bless&help someone somewhere.
For lesser distraction, i will colour the compilation posts in BLUE. Other discussions and reply will be default colour.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.


N.B: The thread is not really an attempt to prove the efficacy or power of prayer, or to convince to pray, or to demonstrate how God answered prayers. It may come but it is not the main aim. It is more of an how prayer works DIY thing.

Just as human conversation is diverse, so also prayer or conversation with God is diverse. It is not a one way traffic or a one language traffic. There are people that actually believe that prayers have to be in a particular language or that good prayer is in a particular language. God hears and accepts all languages. In fact, in the Bible the moving of Hannah's mouth was accepted by God as prayer and He granted her request.

1Sa 1:12  And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. 
1Sa 1:13  Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

There are different ways and styles of prayers in the Bible and in experience. Make sure you are connected.

DOES GOD ANSWER EVERY PRAYER?
Tough question, considering the funny fact that there is actually some christian song that answer in the affirmative. In summary, YES.
But in explanation, let us note that God's answer may differ from what we expect. God is God, not an ATM machine. For an ATM machine, once you have money and you put in your card and right PIN, you get money. But sometimes, you might "do everything right" in your estimation and knowledge. But you may get a NO, or a LATER, or something different from God. So it is not always YES. All of these are answers you should expect to get from God no matter your level.
Many people always expect a YES. The Bible clearly shows otherwise.
Psa 22:2  O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 
Psa 22:3  But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 

Our Bible scholars tell us the Psalm above is a Messianic Psalm. What they mean is that it is the Messiah talking here. So whoever it is(based on your theology ), the Messiah or the Psalmist prayed, even cried day and night, and God did not hear.
Most unbelievers would of course urge you to leave, curse God and move on, He does not exist, prayers don't work etc. You are not the first neither will you be the last to get a NO or face unanswered prayers. Be like this Psalmist, He maintained the disposition that God is holy, God knows best. Some other notable example of people who got a NO from God to their prayers are Moses and Paul. That did not stop them from praying and from believing God. Do not let it ever stop you.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 



i want to try breaking the posts not to be too long for lazy people like me.

So, Jesus Christ's response to His disciples demands that He teach them how to pray, a response that is the WORD OF GOD, the truth of the Father, as far as how He wants us to indeed pray to Him, is to be thrown out the window then?

Why? Because so-called Pastors/Preachers/GOs/Priests etc. prefer their versions and ideas on prayer, ideas which are no different from the prayers that the Pharisees/Priests/Sadducees/Teachers of the Law of Jesus Christ's days.

Kobojunkie:
So, Jesus Christ's response to His disciples demands that He teach them how to pray, a response that is the WORD OF GOD, the truth of the Father, as far as how He wants us to indeed pray to Him, is to be thrown out the window then?

Why? Because so-called Pastors/Preachers/GOs/Priests etc. prefer their versions and ideas on prayer, ideas which are no different from the prayers that the Pharisees/Priests/Sadducees/Teachers of the Law of Jesus Christ's days.

The needlessly combative kobokoman has already reported for duty even before i post anything. You will be alright later later.

Prayer means communication between humans and spirits so you've done justice by emphasizing on the particular spirit you want to talk to.
My question Is it proper demanding someone speak with another person when the person doesn't feel like doing so at that time?

What i mean is like pestering a child to talk to his father in your presence when he (child) doesn't think such is necessary!

Question noted majamaja, i will answer later.

Image123:

Question noted majamaja, i will answer later.

Thanks Sir, anticipating your response, God bless you!

MaxInDHouse:

Thanks Sir, anticipating your response, God bless you!

Fun fact. Do you know that the expression "God bless you" is a prayer? You just spoke publicly to God. You should be very ashamed of yourself and suspended for this, you know?

MaxInDHouse:
Prayer means communication between humans and spirits so you've done justice by emphasizing on the particular spirit you want to talk to.
My question Is it proper demanding someone speak with another person when the person doesn't feel like doing so at that time?

What i mean is like pestering a child to talk to his father in your presence when he (child) doesn't think such is necessary!

It is not proper to demand that someone speak with another person when the person doesn't feel like doing so. But it is absurd that a person NEVER feels like speaking with another person, especially if He is your father. Never be ashamed to talk to your father in the presence of others. i've never seen a normal human being who will NEVER talk to his father in the presence of others because he selfishly thinks it unnecessary. When such an individual will rather die or fight or break bottle or insult you than talk to his father, he is likely mentally imbalanced. Avoid him.


For those that do not know the history, my friend here is a JW(Jehovah wickedness member) who believes in never praying with others or for others outside. This is as a result of standing on one leg, making a doctrine out of a Bible phrase.

Mat 6:6  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 

The passage teaches us not to make prayer a religious fanfare or show off to impress. The practice of Jesus Christ, the apostles and many Bible characters show that we can pray with others, for others and publicly. The epistles of Paul and the other epistles are laden with prayers. These epistles were read publicly by the early church. The book of Revelations, written to the churches by 'Jesus' has many prayers and i think the most "Amen" in the new testament. The book is not secret, it was open and public. Jesus loudly prayed in public but it was not show off. His prayers on the cross are an example. Same goes for Stephen as he was stoned. He was not shy to publicly pray.

Joh 11:41  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 
Joh 11:42  And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 
Joh 11:43  And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.



Here are the disciples who Jesus spoke directly to as well. God is not going to send you to hell for praying with me.

Act 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 
Act 4:24  And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Act 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 

Image123:


Fun fact. Do you know that the expression "God bless you" is a prayer? You just spoke publicly to God. You should be very ashamed of yourself and suspended for this, you know?

The highlighted is just a form of pacifying your audience to show that you meant PEACE {Romans 12:14} based on what i learnt from Christ Jesus it's not a prayer, since i never included the name of my own God. Matthew 6:9

So i can say the same to a Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Traditionalist since they all agreed on the concept of God, it becomes a prayer when i use the name of my own God! Micah 4:5

However you haven't addressed my question!

MaxInDHouse:


The highlighted is just a form of pacifying your audience to show that you meant PEACE {Romans 12:14} based on what i learnt from Christ Jesus it's not a prayer, since i never included the name of my own God. Matthew 6:9

So i can say the same to a Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Traditionalist since they all agreed on the concept of God, it becomes a prayer when i use the name of my own God! Micah 4:5

However you haven't addressed my question!

Lol, "God bless you" is not a prayer. Prof. maja says it is just a form of pacifying, and that he never included God in "God bless you" This is early morning my friend, remove the strong wine far from thee.

Image123:
The needlessly combative kobokoman has already reported for duty even before i post anything. You will be alright later later.

Image123:
Lol, "God bless you" is not a prayer. Prof. maja says it is just a form of pacifying, and that he never included God in "God bless you" This is early morning my friend, remove the strong wine far from thee.

[img]https://s5/images/ezgif-2-bb81ab7ea10d.gif[/img]

Image123:


Lol, "God bless you" is not a prayer. Prof. maja says it is just a form of pacifying, and that he never included God in "God bless you" This is early morning my friend, remove the strong wine far from thee.

That's the difference between a JW and a none JW!

It's when we hear the name of our God that we pay rapt attention not just when you say "God" because there are many Gods! 1Corinthians 8:5

However i won't speak with my own father in the presence of a stranger unless if such a person is my brother and even at that, when i have confidential talks with daddy i'll see him in private! Matthew 6:6

As for you, you're a complete stranger to my own father, even my own daddy will be annoyed with me for discussing with him in the presence of a complete stranger! Proverbs 28:9
That's why i must not talk to my own father when you're not ready to abide by his rules! Jeremiah 11:14, 14:11 compare to John 17:8-9
God bless you!

"Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
(i.e. And He was speaking to them a parable about the way it behooves them always to pray and not to lose heart
Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged
Jesus used this illustration with His disciples to show them that they need to pray all the time and never give up.)"
- Luke 18:1

MaxInDHouse:


That's the difference between a JW and a none JW!

It's when we hear the name of our God that we pay rapt attention not just when you say "God" because there are many Gods! 1Corinthians 8:5

However i won't speak with my own father in the presence of a stranger unless if such a person is my brother and even at that, when i have confidential talks with daddy i'll see him in private! Matthew 6:6

As for you, you're a complete stranger to my own father, even my own daddy will be annoyed with me for discussing with him in the presence of a complete stranger! Proverbs 28:9
That's why i must not talk to my own father when you're not ready to abide by his rules! Jeremiah 11:14, 14:11 compare to John 17:8-9
God bless you!

Your answer is here anyway.

Image123:


Your answer is here anyway.

That's the answer all my brothers and sisters out there will give you Sir!

MaxInDHouse:


That's the answer all my brothers and sisters out there will give you Sir!

Am i now your brother and sister again. Are you the one on the frontpage complaining about bipolar issues?

Image123:


Am i now your brother and sister again. Are you the one on the frontpage complaining about bipolar issues?

NO! You're not one of my brethren, the same reason you always pester me to talk to my own father in your hearing, none of my own brothers and sisters will do that without solid agreement on tenets! Matthew 18:19

Kobojunkie:
So, Jesus Christ's response to His disciples demands that He teach them how to pray, a response that is the WORD OF GOD, the truth of the Father, as far as how He wants us to indeed pray to Him, is to be thrown out the window then?

Why? Because so-called Pastors/Preachers/GOs/Priests etc. prefer their versions and ideas on prayer, ideas which are no different from the prayers that the Pharisees/Priests/Sadducees/Teachers of the Law of Jesus Christ's days.

So why then Jesus didn't follow the very example of prayer He taught His own followers at the garden of Gethsemane?

MaxInDHouse:


NO! You're not one of my brethren, the same reason you always pester me to talk to my own father in your hearing, none of my own brothers and sisters will do that without solid agreement on tenets! Matthew 18:19

So why on earth did you say that my answer is the answer all your brothers and sisters out there will give me?

Kobojunkie:
So, Jesus Christ's response to His disciples demands that He teach them how to pray, a response that is the WORD OF GOD, the truth of the Father, as far as how He wants us to indeed pray to Him, is to be thrown out the window then?

Why? Because so-called Pastors/Preachers/GOs/Priests etc. prefer their versions and ideas on prayer, ideas which are no different from the prayers that the Pharisees/Priests/Sadducees/Teachers of the Law of Jesus Christ's days.

I still see no tangible answer anywhere explaining why Jesus Christ's, God's very own recommendation, when it comes to "how to pray" never seems to be good enough for many of those who claim to be followers of the very same Jesus Christ.
Honestly, I am not surprised! Even where Jesus Christ commands that His followers love their enemies and pray for them, many continue to do the opposite, hate their enemies and pray against them in the name of the very same Jesus Christ. It is no longer a hidden thing that many who believe in Jesus Christ (bestowed with eternal life through Him as a result), would rather look elsewhere for meaning in their so-called Christian walk than to Jesus Christ, the one whom they claim to be the author and finisher of their faith.

Image123:


So why on earth did you say that my answer is the answer all your brothers and sisters out there will give me?

NO!
I mean what you've heard from me is the same you'll hear from JWs globally, so your opinion is yours ours is ours!

MaxInDHouse:

NO!
I mean what you've heard from me is the same you'll hear from JWs globally, so your opinion is yours ours is ours!

My position is clearly seen all over the Scriptures as shown, yours is a one leg stand misrepresention of a phrase in Matthew 6v6. Doctrine is not built on phrases. The Word is established by two or three credible witnesses. A doctrine and practice that is contradictory to all scriptural practice is a joke. Go and read the answer to your question again and respond normally instead of spewing out crammed scriptures out of context.

Emusan:
So why then Jesus didn't follow the very example of prayer He taught His own followers at the garden of Gethsemane?

Are you in some way suggesting that since Jesus Christ "didn't follow that example", we are then released from doing as He commands, and free to concoct whatever prayer formulae we want?

Image123:


My position is clearly seen all over the Scriptures as shown, yours is a one leg stand misrepresention of a phrase in Matthew 6v6. Doctrine is not built on phrases. The Word is established by two or three credible witnesses. A doctrine and practice that is contradictory to all scriptural practice is a joke. Go and read the answer to your question again and respond normally instead of spewing out crammed scriptures out of context.

It's OK Sir, that's why i said all my brothers and sisters agreed on the terms.
So keep yours and i'll keep mine, no wahala!

Kobojunkiee:
Are you in some way suggesting that since Jesus Christ "didn't follow that example", we are then released from doing as He commands,

So you know Jesus didn't follow His own pattern of prayer which we can then ask:

Are we then restricted only to that pattern of prayer?

and free to concoct whatever prayer formulae we want?

So Jesus concocted that prayer at Gethsemane

Jesus concocted that prayer at Lazarus grave

The disciples concocted prayer that set Peter free in the prison.

I thought all these should have followed the pattern of the Lord's prayer!