Q&A for How to Say a Well Rounded Prayer to God

I'd say the first thing is prayer. I think prayer is the foundation for any religious practice, any relationship with the divine, our connection to our soul, and spirit. It all begins with prayer.

If you want to let someone know that you’re thinking of them without mentioning prayers, you can try something like “You’re in my thoughts” or “Sending good vibes and positivity your way!” Sometimes when people are struggling, they prefer to hear things like, “Is there anything I can do to help?” or “I’m here for you if you need me.”

There is no single correct way to pray, although different faiths have different customs. Experiment with different methods of prayer until you find the one that feels right to you! You may find it easiest to follow a prayer formula (for example, try saying the Lord’s Prayer if you are a Christian), or you may feel more comfortable making up your own prayer or even meditating and saying a mantra. If you feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, practice while you are alone and in a quiet, peaceful place.

There are many ways to start a prayer. Your faith may have some specific phrases you can use to open a prayer. For example, Jewish prayers often start with Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam (“Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe”). If you’d rather make a less formal prayer, you can simply speak to God like a friend—for example, “Hello, God, I’ve been feeling very alone and just wanted to talk.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

The answer you received may not necessarily be the answer you wanted. You should thank God, anyway.

Some people have difficulty believing in something they can't see or find evidence of.

God sees everyone, religious or not, as His children and He loves all of them. One is not better for being religious, nor is one worse for not following religion.

I use my hands as a gesture of humility, which is palms together; of praise, with hands raised up; and of sacrifice, with the palms up.

Yes, it is. The fifth commandment is thou shall not kill. This means you should not kill yourself or others. Suicide is a very serious problem. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

You humble yourself and admit to any wrongdoing, and you confess and ask forgiveness genuinely.

He will always hear you, because everyone lives in some level of sin. If you come to him and ask to be forgiven for the wrongs you have done, He will hear you, and He will forgive you. Just don't take advantage of His forgiving nature.

No, He will not. It is not bad to pray if you are not religious.

No. Saying that is a wonderful way of acknowledging the price Jesus paid on the cross, but God hears you even if you forget.

Because Jesus died for our sins. He is the intersection between God and man.

No, there is not. Think of prayer as a conversation with God, Jesus. Prayer can be whatever length you feel is right, from asking God to bless the day, to something much longer. It is up to you and based on what you pray for. I pray for a few minutes a day usually, but some people pray for up to an hour.

Either one is correct. God knows what's in your heart, and he will understand that you're praying for your parents because you love them.

Yes, unless your religion specifically states otherwise.

Those statues help us to understand and reinforce our belief in God. They are not idols, but examples of how God wants us to be.

God's love is unconditional, and there is no right or wrong in the afterlife. God doesn't call himself "God" though; that's just what some people have labeled him. I would say it's your decision completely.

No, praying in tongues is not more effective. What is effective is praying from your heart.

Yes, just be sure to concentrate on the road––pray with your eyes open. When praying to Him, tell Him your needs and talk about your hopes. All the time, be careful not to lose control of your car.

You shouldn't have to beg from such a kind creator, should you? God isn't Santa Claus. He isn't willing to give, it has to be part of His will and then you have to wonder why you need to ask for things when it's already in His great plan anyway. So it's all kind of circular and you're probably better off working for what you want yourself than hoping a god will make it happen. Then you've earned it!

You can pray on any and all subjects. Remember, though, to leave it in your God's hands.