I wanted to add a prayer about those who are addicted. I found that there was one in the hymnal for that and I used it, with a slight change in language. The hymnal also had a prayer for the unemployed, which I used, almost as is. I also wanted to "pray for our enemies" as Jesus has commanded us to do. The hymnal has a prayer on that, which I used, in part, with some language changes. Sometimes the canned prayer language is not the usual language that people use in everyday life. Sometimes it is more compact than everyday language, which is OK if it is understandable.
I'm sure the depth and meaning of the made-up prayers depends on the pray-er and how much he/she is really led by the spirit. I once read that a definite benefit of written prayers (written by someone else) is that we might be led to pray for thing/situations that are less selfish, more open to others and the world.
Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies and to pray for His kingdom to come and to pray that we will forgive others. These might not be things we would pray for if we only think about ourselves when we pray.
I'm sure that pastors are taught to pray beyond themselves and for the sake of the community.
Thanks for visiting my little nature blog. There is much of Gods handiwork to see in beautiful Bluff Country. You are always welcome.
ReplyDeleteHope it went well.
ReplyDeleteMy gift is not writing prayers and neither am I gifted with assistants who write their own so I'm thankful for the "canned" ones.
I wanted to add a prayer about those who are addicted. I found that there was one in the hymnal for that and I used it, with a slight change in language. The hymnal also had a prayer for the unemployed, which I used, almost as is. I also wanted to "pray for our enemies" as Jesus has commanded us to do. The hymnal has a prayer on that, which I used, in part, with some language changes. Sometimes the canned prayer language is not the usual language that people use in everyday life. Sometimes it is more compact than everyday language, which is OK if it is understandable.
ReplyDeleteI am with you on the "canned" prayers. I used to write them out ahead of time but now I just pray as the Spirit moves me.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the depth and meaning of the made-up prayers depends on the pray-er and how much he/she is really led by the spirit. I once read that a definite benefit of written prayers (written by someone else) is that we might be led to pray for thing/situations that are less selfish, more open to others and the world.
ReplyDeleteJesus taught us to pray for our enemies and to pray for His kingdom to come and to pray that we will forgive others. These might not be things we would pray for if we only think about ourselves when we pray.
I'm sure that pastors are taught to pray beyond themselves and for the sake of the community.
Never used canned prayers if I could avoid them.
ReplyDeleteMe neighter! Well...not much! I am glad it went well for you, PS.
ReplyDelete