DEFINED

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." And he said to them, "When you pray, say:

"Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread, 

and forgive us our sins, 

for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And lead us not into temptation."

Luke 11:1-4

I was raised in the United Methodist Church, a denomination of Christianity.  It is through this faith that I believe the Bible in full and is what has shaped my beliefs about prayer.  To me, prayer is the most direct connection to God, and I love it.  I have found it amazing many times, and in many ways.

I believe my prayers are heard and counted by God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity).  I believe that God's main answers to prayers are "Yes," "No," and "Later," and I believe He moves my spirit to pray and in response to my prayers.  I believe in conversational prayers and I believe I can approach Him directly, at any time, with no pretense.  

I was taught to pray using many mnemonics, including JOY (Jesus-Others-Yourself) and PRAY (Praise-Repent-Ask-Yield).  The five-fingered prayer was a favorite for a long time (those closest to you, those who teach, those who lead, those who are the weakest, and myself).  However, these are just guidelines, in the end.  The model I chose for this blog represents areas that I feel need prayer.

You can read more about the United Methodist Church here, what we believe here, and about "Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors" motto here, which I ascribe to.

**Disclaimer**

Please do not think, in believing what I have chosen to believe, that I think your choice of what to believe is wrong (if it differs from mine).  I honor and respect your choice.  I hope you do the same for me.