Asking in Prayer

"Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give you" (John 16:23). But the lord makes one condition: "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14). So when you ask the Lord for something in prayer think to yourself how does this serve the Lord?
Healing, spiritual comfort, guidance, good deeds and good works serve the Lord.

Prayer is a means of changing oneself, seeking guidance, seeking enlightenment and seeking God comfort. Praying is not about trying to change God's mind. It is not about bargaining or begging.

There are two principal means to achieve greater intensity in prayer.

The first method is to empty the mind to allow the empty vessel to be filled by God. This is the method commonly associated with meditation, mantra and chant. In this method one stills the mind and body. This method is associated with relaxation. Finding a quite place or a place of natural beauty can help.

The second method is just the opposite in some way but can also be extremely effective. Here one fills the mind with religious thoughts by pondering the question at hand examining the question from many different viewpoints. Use your knowledge of scripture, use your mind intensely and pray forcefully and with emotion and look for God's response to come to you in your thoughts.

It can be useful to use repetitive prayer to prepare yourself for a meaningful prayer session. Use the Lords Prayer or the Rosary or whatever common prayer is associated to your religious belief. Prayer is most effective when it is based on the word of scripture. Try to include scripture in your prayer.

Reverend George V, Schubel
Interfaith Minister