Praying the Correct way

PRAYING THE CORRECT WAY
Prayer is basically conversation with God. How then do you do it in a way that pleases Him? Many people, I have come to realise- and regrettably so- pray with the aim of getting themselves in the good books with God so that He can do what they want. How then should we talk with God and share our concerns, fears, and pleas? I don't think it is correct to make demands and, or  glorify oneself before God. It wouldn't feel correct to do that before a friend let alone before God.


The Bible teaches a lot about prayer, including Jesus’ words on how to pray (The Lord’s Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13).
Jesus shared with his disciples, a parable that speaks directly to my question. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke cp 18, the doctor-cum-disciple writes a story told by Jesus about two men who both prayed to God, and how they were each received by the Father.

9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.-Luke 18:9-14 (KJV)

This parable is a good way to measure our hearts as we come to God in prayer. Are you a Pharisee or the tax collector. It seems hard to determine who the good guy is in this scenario before Jesus explains God’s point of view. Prior to Jesus’ admonitions against the religiosity perpetuated by the Pharisees, they were the respected church leaders. They were the holy men of that day. The tax collectors were hated by most. Right off the bat, one would assume that Jesus would denounce the later, as the “sinner”. And he would, if it were not for what the taxman did inside the temple.
The parable’s lesson is found in what these two men do in response to God’s presence. The proud church leader attempts to validate his own “righteousness” in his prayer. He judges his neighbour all while spouting his good deeds, as if that’s going to guarantee him some points with God. The tax collector approaches his prayer in humility. With no self-righteous bone in his body, he asks God to show him mercy.



Prayers that God Hears
The Lord hears the prayers of the justified and the humble. King Josiah’s God-fearing life, as recorded in the Old Testament, is an example of this. In II Chronicles 34:27, we see that a REPENTANT heart gets God’s attention;

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord.  -2 Chr 34:27 (KJV)

God wants to hear sincerity in our prayer, not vanity. As we pray, let’s determine to stay steadfastly humble before the Lord. Fortunately, God extends mercy to everyone who comes to Him in repentance, even those who get stuck in Churchianity (Ukanisa in Swahili), like the Pharisee. Bottom line: God is concerned with the heart of a person. So next time you go to God in prayer, ask yourself, am I humble or proud? Either way, it’s a chance to get right with Him.

(Fred's wisdom pamphlet.)

WARNING ⚠- I'm not a qualified minister of the Word. Sieve my words carefully and feel free to disagree. After all  the bible calls us all to do as follows:
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.-1 Jn 4:1 (KJV)