HOW TO PRAY WITH THE SCRIPTURES

Written, compiled and documented by Philip Ezenwatu.

What is Prayer:
The word prayer or prārthanā (in Sanskrut) is derived from two words ‘pra’ and ‘artha’, meaning pleading fervently. In other words, it is asking God for something with intense yearning. Prayer includes respect, love, pleading and faith. By praying, we express our helplessness and endow the doership of a task to God. Praying benefits us at the level of action,

thought and attitude. It is a cornerstone in spiritual practice because it enhances the potency of chanting the Name of God, gives us Divine protection from ghosts and departed ancestors, reduces ego, and increases our faith. Over time, frequent prayers help to dissolve our mind and intellect and through them we gain access to the higher Universal Mind and Intellect.

Reason for Praying:
For presentation of one's intentions to God.
Raise up one's mind to God.
Easy ways to communicate with God.
How one can search for God's will.

Why Do We Pray:
To have an intimacy with God.
To come closer to God.
To live and abides by his divine commandments and teachings.
To seek for God's mercy when we sinned against him.

Elements of Prayers:
Adoration
Supplication
Contrition
Thanksgiving

1. Details Of Prayers:
Preparatory Prayer (That all my intentions, actions, operations may be ordered to the greater glory and service of his divine majesty).

2. Three Preludes Of Prayers:
Narrative
Composition of place
Ask for what you desired

3. Reading from the bible and praying:
See the persons
Listen to what they are saying
What are they doing

4. Dialogue Or Colloquy:
Communication with God and listen to his words (Silence time)

5. End the Prayers

Prayer Review (Experience):
What is God saying to me in this passage
What am I understanding in it
What is God saying in this passage.

Note: We need spiritual directors who can directs us on how to pray.
Pray with patience while praying, while preaching make your preaching to be more clear.