Paul Hokemeyer , a marriage, family and addictions therapist. During times of stress , our limbic system, more commonly known as our central nervous system, becomes hyper-activated, which does two things: it thrusts us in to survival mode where we freeze, fight or flee the situation, [such that] we move away from the present state of being into a future state. This also shuts down our executive functioning [and] prevents us from thinking clearly.
When we sit down and engage in prayer or meditation , we are able to shift away from this frightened and stressed survival mode into "an intentional state," says Dr. Loretta G. Praying is saying: I am really hurting about X. I am really hoping for Y. I am looking for support from Z. Praying makes that useful conscious act into a reliable habit. How can we use it to not only center ourselves and self-soothe, but to take a positive action? In other words, prayer is the fuel that lights the fire of action.
A favorite meditation that Dr. Yusim recommends is the Loving-Kindness meditation , which blends breathing techniques with positive thoughts for all beings; she suggests that after you complete this meditation, you straighten up and ask yourself this question:.
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IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Share this —. Follow better. It can also help you narrow down what's really important to you. Consider starting a prayer journal, where you write down your prayers in a notebook each day.
When you look back through the journal, you'll be amazed at the way God has worked in your life. Part 2. Address God by name. You can even pray to Jesus, if you like. Acknowledge God's greatness. If you have faith in God, you believe he is the creator of the world and all life on earth. Imagine the incredible power God must have to have created all of that! Then, think about that powerful being taking the time to listen to your problems and take an interest in your life.
Thank God for his goodness and mercy. God is merciful, loving, and generous. Take the time to include worship in every prayer. You could thank him for coming into your life, for all of the blessings he's given you, and for answering your prayers. Pour out your feelings to God.
Remember, God already knows what's on your mind, what has happened in your life, and everything you feel. Prayer isn't about telling God these things, but about building a stronger relationship with God by communicating with him. You might talk to God about something that hurt you, an upcoming event you're feeling nervous about, or a Scripture you're having trouble understanding. Just talk to him about whatever's on your mind! Part 3. Ask God to forgive you for your sins. Before you ask God for anything else, you should ask for his forgiveness for your sins.
Look into your heart and find the areas where you need to improve, then ask God to forgive you for falling short. Ask God to give you the strength to do better in the future. Sins don't always have to be big things like stealing or lying; sometimes they might include being jealous of a coworker, being unkind to your sibling, or prioritizing material things over your relationship with God.
Say something like, "God, I know I said I wouldn't get so mad when a customer says something rude, but I have been struggling with that lately.
Please forgive me for not keeping my temper, and help me find the strength to stay calm next time. Tell God your troubles and ask for his help. No matter what you're going through, you should ask God for help. God wants us to seek him first in every situation. However, keep in mind that God knows what is best, and his answer might not always be what you had in mind. However, if you pray something like, "Please send me an opportunity to use my strengths and provide for my family," you might be surprised what happens.
On the other hand, God might have ordained that you don't need a lot of money, so a better prayer might be, "Lord, help me be wise with my finances so I can make do with what I have. Pray for people around you who are struggling.
When you see a need in others, ask God for his help. It might be someone close to you, or it could be a group of people on the other side of the world who are suffering. Praying for others is an important way to strengthen your faith. Please send her some comfort and peace, and let her feel your presence. It seems like such a huge problem that no one can fix it, but nothing is too big for you.
Please bring peace to that region and to all of your children. Ask God to help you understand his answer. God speaks to us in ways that can be hard to spot, especially if you're just beginning to build your spiritual relationship with him.
Ask God to help you recognize the signs that he is answering your prayer. Thank God again, then close the prayer. It's important to have a grateful heart while you're praying, so opening and closing the prayer with thanks will help keep you in the right spirit. Thank God for listening, and for the good works you know he still has in store.
Did you know you can get answers researched by wikiHow Staff? Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7. Gigi King. All prayer is just having a conversation with God, asking him for what you need, be it a new coat, or just a closer relationship with Him.
Pray about what's on your mind and in your heart, what you truly need, and the Holy Spirit will guide you in the name of Jesus, Amen. Not Helpful 21 Helpful Many people do so at the start or end of a day, but it doesn't matter. God wants to hear you, and it doesn't matter where you are or when you're praying.
Not Helpful 10 Helpful Sometimes the answer will come immediately. Sometimes it will take a lot longer. God has a plan for you, but you have to be patient. Not Helpful 9 Helpful Speak to God just like you would speak to a friend, so think about how you would start a conversation with someone you know. No, you are allowed to say whatever you'd like when you pray.
God is always listening. Yes, if the prayers are ones that speak to you and help you. Ask for help as well. Not Helpful 4 Helpful You don't have to, but if you don't have an ending in mind, you can always just say, "In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Not Helpful 8 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Try not to fall into the pattern of saying the same prayer every day. Instead, every time you pray, think about what God is doing in your life, what your needs are, and what you're most grateful for. Helpful 15 Not Helpful 2. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References 2. About This Article.
Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: December 2, Categories: Prayer.
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