Honestly, there is a place for both, a necessity for both even. Free-form prayers remind us that we are talking to a person, not an audience and that He is listening to the conversation we are having. And yet, this kind of prayer can be very easily distracted and repetitive, saying the same words for different needs.
Written prayers, like those found in the Psalms, hymnbooks, and books like The Valley of Vision, can become repetitive and meaningless also. However, I find they keep me on track and give words to my hungers and longings for loved ones. In fact, this morning, I offer you my version of Philippians 1:9-11, as I pray it weekly for my loved ones.
And this is my prayer:
that ___________________'s love may grow richer and richer in real knowledge and all discernment,
that _________________ may approve the things that are excellent,
that __________________ may be pure and blameless as ______________ faces the day of
Christ,
abounding in the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. Amen.
I thank God for the privilege of prayer, and for giving us prayers to pray.
The point is praying, meeting with God regularly and honestly and waitingly. He is the One who hears and He is also the One who answers in His way and His time for our best good.
Good post. I need to be reminded of the necessity of both kinds of prayers. I tend to do random, popcorn prayers, which are good, but need to be combined with written prayers (Psalms) to keep myself focused on who God is.
ReplyDeleteI also really appreciate the way written prayers "help keep me on track and give words to my hungers and longings for loved ones." So often the prayers in Scotty Smith's EVERYDAY PRAYERS or THE VALLEY OF VISION resonate so strongly in my heart and give me the opportunity to agree with what is written as I pray.
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