Prayer Problems

(Pro 15:9 KJV)  The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

Sometimes the “way” (1870) of the “wicked” (7563) is obvious.  Sometimes it is subtle.  It is the subtle ones who are confusing.  The previous verse lifts out the importance of prayer.  I was in a discussion about prayer recently.  I don’t understand prayer.  I do it on a regular basis, but I don’t understand why.  God is all the omni’s, from omniscient to omnipresent.  How can my prayer influence Him?  That is the part I don’t understand.

The danger of the wicked way comes when we try to make things like prayer a tool to manipulate God.  To me a lot of the prayer lists we have are wish lists.  They become nagging lists.  We are telling God all the things we think He should be doing if He is really God.  The last time I had a role in leading congregational prayer I experimented with writing out my prayers before hand.  I used what is called the Lord’s Prayer as a templet.  There are only three specific creature requests in that prayer:  Daily bread, forgiveness for sin and avoidance of temptation.  Everything else focuses on praise and glorifying God.  

So?  I plan on making prayer times a time to focus on thanksgiving and praise.  I will also try to make it a two way conversation by listening.