CONCLUSION OF ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT PRAYER

Matters relating to Jehovah God should be given first importance in our prayers.  We certainly have reason to express heartfelt praise and thanks to him for all his goodness.  (1 Chronicles 29:10-13)  Jesus gave the model prayer, recorded at Matthew 6:9-13, in which he taught us to pray that God's name be sanctified, that is, treated as sacred, or holy. That God's Kingdom come and that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven are mentioned next. Only after  covering these important matters relating to Jehovah did Jesus give attention to personal concerns.  When we likewise give God the most  important place in our prayers, we show that we are interested in more than just our own welfare.

How long should our prayers be? The Bible does not place any limit on how long or private or public prayers should be.  They may range from a brief prayer before a meal to a long private prayer in which we pour out our heart to Jehovah.  (1 Samuel 1:12, 15) However, Jesus condemned self-righteous individuals  who made  long, showy prayers before others.  (Luke 20:46, 47)  Such prayers do not impress Jehovah. What is important is that we pray from our heart. Hence, the length of acceptable prayers may vary according to needs and circumstances.  

How often should we pray? The Bible encourages us to "pray continually,"  to "persevere in prayer," and to "pray incessantly." (Matthew 26:41; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Of course these statements do not mean that we must be praying to Jehovah every moment of the day. Rather, the Bible is urging us to pray regularly, continually thanking   Jehovah for his goodness to us and looking to him for guidance, comfort, and strength.  Is it not comforting to know that Jehovah puts no limit on how long or how often we can talk to him in prayer?  If we truly appreciate the privilege of prayer, we will find many opportunities to pray to our heavenly Father.

Why should we say "Amen" at the end of a prayer?The word  "amen" means "surely," or "so be it." Scripturally examples show that it is appropriate to say "Amen" at the close of  personal and public  prayers.  (1 Chronicles  16:36; Psalm 41:13)   By saying "Amen"-either silently or out loud-at the end of someone's public prayer, we indicate that we are in agreement with the thoughts that were expressed. -1 Corinthians 14:16.

Next time: HOW GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006