The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Proper Way to Pray

Something that I have been pondering and thinking about for a while is this: What is exactly the proper way to pray to God? That is sort of general-what I mean is- not the content of prayer, but the attitude with which I pray. I must be reverent, for God is holy, holy, holy, and yet He is also my Friend and Shepherd. Do I strike a balance between the two in my prayers and address the LORD with reverence, and yet familiarity?

What are your thoughts on the subject? Thanks so much.

--RoadOfLife

Early on I learned a model of prayer that has helped me a lot, using the acronym. ACTS (below). I also find it very humbling and powerful to use Scripture in prayer, using His own words to praise and extol Him; and as if to "remind" God of His promises.

Adoration - every prayer should start with this, addressing the Almighty with reverent awe. It should also conclude with adoration.

Confession - of my own sins, calling then what God calls them - rebellion against the Thrice-holy Creator and Master of all that is. I confess my weaknesses and failings and unworthiness, but I also confess my faith in His provision and power and faithfulness.

Thanksgiving to Him for Christ, for His word and indwelling Spirit, for the Church and its shelter and discipline; for/in whatever circumstances I find myself, knowing that He has brought me there for a purpose that is glory to Him and good to me.

Supplication, first for His work on the earth and close to home, for my country, family, friends, and my own needs.

Again, I think it's important to use Scripture in prayer. It helps me avoid frivolity and distraction, and applies greater true faith to my prayers as well.

-Robin

Yes, I was taught this form from very early on, too.
I think that Robin answered part of my question, but I'm looking a little deeper.I guess my real question is: I know the proper form or structure of prayer (ACTS and using Scripture), but the attitude that I should address God in prayer?

Referring to my first post: God is Thrice-holy-we should be reverent. Yet we are children of God-so we can pray to Him as to a Father and Friend. I guess I'm just confused if we strike the middle of the road between those two, or not.

Anyway, thanks very much, Robin.

1. We should not try to understand the term "friend" from our contemporary use of it, e.g., buddy-buddy, a casual relationship, etc.

2. Positively, we should allow the Scriptures themselves to define and explain the term "friend". And how does the Bible do that? Well, we can come to a right understanding of what "friend" means by first consulting those passages which use the word itself; specifically those places where "friend" appears with both God and man in view. For example, we have such passages as, Ex. 33:11; 2Chron 20:7; Jh 15:14,15 and Jam 2:23. In these passages the word has the idea of God revealing Himself and making Himself known vs. being hidden from all others. Another way of putting it is that God "spoke" directly to the recipients as those whom He had chosen to bless. Knowing that men are estranged from God, even His enemies due to their sin, this "friendship" is incredibly marvelous as an expression of God's mercy and grace.

3. Looking further, we should take special notice of how those whom God befriended approached Him. In other words, we can learn by example. Nowhere in all Scripture do we find the beloved of God approaching Him, addressing Him, petitioning Him with an "all-too-familiarity" which many practice and/or advocate in our day. The intimacy of being a "friend" of God is initiated by God Himself TO those whom He has chosen to love in Christ. It is never initiated FROM someone in their natural state since by nature all men hate God.

4. We may also further our understanding from reasoning based upon the attributes and nature of God. First and foremost God is "other", i.e., transcendent; infinitely different from His creation/creatures. He is infinitely holy, majestic, powerful, the Creator and Ruler of all things. Thus, He is due all respect, honor, reverence, praise, adoration, gratitude, humility and obedience. Paul uses the words "awe and reverence" when speaking on how we are to worship God in our daily lives (cf. Heb 12:28) for the reason that God is a "consuming fire" (Heb 12:29). In short, God's transcendence is not removed nor diminished just because He has "befriended" a sinner by saving them by grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He IS and ALWAYS remains the everlasting GOD.

From considering these 4 points, I believe we can come to proper understanding in answering your question. God has made us, His "friend" (not we Him), i.e., He has chosen by grace to reveal His true character in Christ to undeserving sinners, giving them a new heart of flesh which seeks to love and serve God with all their mind, heart, soul and strength. And, through the Lord Christ and His atoning work in their behalf, those who have been given true saving faith have free access to God in order to offer worship, praise, adoration and to lay their burdens and other petitions before Him knowing He hears their prayers. The attitude one MUST have in approaching God is determined first and foremost by who God IS and then further by the mercy and grace extended in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

I totally agree with you, Pilgrim. The contemporary use of the word 'friend' even in the 'Christian' world today, is a watered down-human explanation of the word. I mean exactly what you said.




How timely. I was just thinking recently that if I only kept in mind who God is, and who man is in comparison to God and the relationship between God and man through Jesus Christ, I would be more on my guard against sin.