Is Reciting the Lord's Prayer the Only Way to Pray?

 Jesus provided the Lord's Prayer as an example. It is not to be recited word for word. Just before providing the Lord's Prayer, Jesus warned: "When praying, do not say the same things over and over again." (Matthew 6:7) When he provided a model prayer on another occasion he used different wording. - LUKE 11:2-4.

The best way to pray is to use sincere personal expression from our heart. - PSALM 62:8. 

How should we pray? 

. Pray only to God

Scripture: "In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be known to God." - PHILIPPIANS 4:6. 

Meaning:  Our prayers should be addressed to God-not to Jesus, Mary, or the saints. With opening words, "Our Father," the Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray to Jehovah alone.

Note: The Thanksgiving expression in the Bible is to thank God for all he has done for us. Not a holiday.

Next time: Pray for Things That Harmonize with God's Will

From the jw.org publications