How do I word the beginning of my prayer?
I have heard that I should end my prayer with these words "in Jesus name I humbly pray, amen". But I really haven't heard what wording I should use to begin my prayer other than "Our Father Who art in Heaven". I have also heard that you just start talking. I need assistance on this. Thank you.
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Tim Maas
Although (as indicated in the question) Jesus gave us what we call the Lord's Prayer as a model or example, Christian prayer (in my opinion) does not need to follow any particular pattern or formula, which (to me) can tend toward the "heaping up of words" that Jesus advised against, since God already knows everything we need, even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:7-8). Prayer should be an honest expression in the person's own words of what is in his or her heart or mind, just as if the person were talking to someone face-to-face. I would only say that I personally find it helpful to initially address God as "Father" because it reminds me that I am His child through faith in Christ. If I am making a request of Him, or asking His forgiveness of my sin, I pray in Jesus' name or for His sake, since Jesus' death and resurrection are the basis of our forgiveness, and of our being able to approach God in prayer. I also commonly pray for God's will to be done, whatever it may be. But, again, more than any fixed formula, Christian prayer should be an honest, spontaneous, and open expression of whatever is in the believer's mind and thoughts, whether it be cares or concerns, expressions of thankfulness, or requests for God's aid or assistance. The book of Psalms contains many prayers for various needs or purposes that can also be used as a model.
Vivienne Burnett
I start my prayer by saying, "Heavenly Father, I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for your lovingkindness." Then I continue with God's guidance.
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