by Country Girl 19 Replies latest jw friends
Sally
I am not sure what her concept of God is yet. She told me he lived in the trees. Then she told me he lives in the sky. She has told me that he is her friend and she misses him, she wants to go visit him.
Little children can be very perceptive, eh?
Sirona
Hey CG, I agree with the other posts that you should speak to God like he is someone close and very personal to you. And since you are asking about God's name in prayer, I assume you are called a christian.
However, I am reminded of a passage in the Bible, the book of St.John chapter 14 verse 13: "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father be glorified in the Son".
And also in the same book, chapter 15 verse 16: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
The emphasis is mine. These are two of a few scriptures where asking in Jesus' name is recommended. Now all of the above depends on if you are indeed called a christian and if you follow the bible. I hope this helps to answer your question.
Shamms
Since I am a "Unitic" I always address God as Father/Mother God. Mystics have said that the only proper prayer is one of thanks. They also say that it is a waste of breath to ask God for anything since God is not holding back anything. Perhaps this is what Jesus was alluding to when he said to not ask God for food, shelter, etc. since "your Father knows you have need of these".
For a while (until I quit praying), I used to address God as just God. I'd usually start, "Dear God". I would also still end "In Jesus Name". I just saw it as saying something like "Sincerely" at the bottom of a letter, and "Amen" was my signature.
Now, I just say to myself, "You got yourself into this mess, get yourself out". However, there may come a time where I pray to myself since I'm damn close to being a god ;)
my 2 cents >>> I've never been a dub, yet end most my prayers "in the name of Jesus Christ". It was just my upbringing....I think it goes back to the scripture quoted above. In reality, with God, I think sincerity trumps formality anyday.
Navigator:
Interesting that we've come to a similar conclusion from two diverse systems
I rarely ask for anything (using what God gave me, first, and rarely needing more than that).
Thanksgiving, praise, and a desire for closer communion in "Love", is the highest priority on my agenda.
Mystics have said that the only proper prayer is one of thanks. They also say that it is a waste of breath to ask God for anything since God is not holding back anything. Perhaps this is what Jesus was alluding to when he said to not ask God for food, shelter, etc. since "your Father knows you have need of these".
Navigator...that is very interesting. I've never thought of that before. Little Toe& Navigator - Do you ever pray in petition for someone else if you do not pray for yourselves?
Andi:
Sorry, I should have been clearer, and funnily enough I was thinking of you immediately I hit the send button.
I often invoke petitions for others in my prayers, in all sorts of intercession, but usually sufface it with "according to your will" or somesuch. I have a strong sense of it not ultimately being up to me, and detest the "prosperity gospel" that essentially states that God never says "No".
Glad to hear about your good news, though. I was praying about that
Shotgun! To answer your question about how members of other religions pray, I can only answer for Baha'is. We use the prayers revealed by the central figures of our faith, and for the most part they end with affirmations of the qualities of the deity. For instance, a child's prayer goes as follows: "Oh God, guide me protect me, illumine the lamp of my heart and make me a brilliant star. Thou art the mighty and powerful."
There are prayers for virtually all circumstances and are so beautifully stated it makes the self-generated ones seem rather crude by comparison.
carmel
I always end my prayers with "blessed be"
but then I'm a bit unity myself and mostly pagan.
Sherry
