Is prayer a skill?

(Kimshi42;30844)
Our pastor said if you want to learn how to pray, you need to get around people who know how to pray. Simple enough. Until you think about it. Is prayer a skill? Shouldn't it just be conversing with God?I didn't ask him what he meant. Could he mean praying in an entertaining fashion that other people like to hear? That doesn't seem right.Do you think prayer is a skill?
Nope, prayers is actually like talking to God. God doesn't want us having scripted prayers, but rather talk to Him with your sincere heart without vain repetitions.JagLovest thou in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour of the world.

I used to have problems praying for other people, when I heard some others being so good with words, so I stopped. That was in chuch environment. Then one old lady encouraged me, if you just be there for a person and with your own few words pray for them. Jesus was really to the point. He did not try to impress people, most times He just said 2-3 words and that's it.

Hooray, I've reached level 5 in my prayer skill!I'm sorry, but it sounds too cheesy. Prayer comes from communion with God. The only skill needed is the ability to recognize that the Lord is Lord.

I agree, prayer is just a conversation with God. You talk to him from the heart, not a script of prepared or correct phrases.

No prayer is a skilla skill we all have

Prayer is a skill. Just as we build up our social skills, our prayer skills need to be strengthened. A person who doesn't know what the point in prayer is will not be able to talk to God in a productive manner. An unskilled prayer will focus on what they want and not focus on God's talking. Prayer should be a conversation with God, not a pleading for something we want. We need to work on discussing with God on how He wants to use us in our lives and focus less on what we think will make our lives better. Talk to God on what we can do to better serve His purpose for us. Don't ask, listen.

No I do not think prayer is a special skill. For me prayer is my special intimate time with God. It is the time when He and I spend together talking to each other. I feel a bond and closeness when I am in prayer. My prayers are usually without wants and needs. I seek the Giver and not the gifts. Most of the time my prayer is silent, just alone by myself not a single word said. Sometimes it is basking in His glory, adoring Him, confessing to Him, praising Him. Whatever I see in need I bring to Him in supplication. I pray because God has touched my spirit. When I cannot pray, I know, my prayer warrior, the Holy Spirit prays for me. As you pray He shifts your focus from you to Him.He then keeps you under His grace. Turn your worries into prayer. If you want to worry less, pray more. Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.And do not expect God to be your genie in the lamp. God is not waiting for you to ask for a sports car. He wants you to ask for Him instead. Always keep your appointment with him. Be Blessed Always

(prayerfulsoul;31099)
Prayer is a skill. Just as we build up our social skills, our prayer skills need to be strengthened. A person who doesn't know what the point in prayer is will not be able to talk to God in a productive manner. An unskilled prayer will focus on what they want and not focus on God's talking. Prayer should be a conversation with God, not a pleading for something we want. We need to work on discussing with God on how He wants to use us in our lives and focus less on what we think will make our lives better. Talk to God on what we can do to better serve His purpose for us. Don't ask, listen.
I would have to agree here. Prayer is a skill, I think its safe to say that Jesus probably prayed better than any of us. Does that mean God listens any less to us? No, not at all, but praying according to His will may take practice and I believe what your pastor was trying to illustrate to you though he may have lacked the appropriate articulation is that the power of association is huge when dealing with prayer. When I was a little younger and wanting to make it big in the world I was told by so many sources whom had already achieved this that you had to start associating with the rich and successful. They all claimed this, beyond any personal traits, to be the most significant factor in acquiring that ever so ineffable and intangible quality, whatever it be, that could change the older dynamics in my way of thinking. Through my experience and observations I would have to say this were true.Coming back from church the other day ago I asked my mom if she was okay as she was filled with tears some from joy some of sorrow. She told me she was crying because of someone who had laid hands on her in church and prayed over her claiming various victories in the name of Christ and admonishing here in The Way. She commented twice that this individual could really pray, and seemed amazed and blessed in this individual's ability to do so. I think she remembered what it was like when she use to pray like that. She was extremely gifted in tongues as a kid.The more you seek God and let Him have dominion over your life the better you will get in your prayer life because you couldn't be doing so without it. Even if you aren't aware of it. Though what your pastor suggest is a good idea if you find individuals that can truly pray and are not puffed up on the words of man or of themselves. I have been overcome by tears on many occasions and it is truly a great thing to share in God's joy with those that love Him.P.S. Don't worry if you think you are an ill skilled prayer, there is no such thing in that although it is a skill, God has made you lacking in no necessity that you should reach Him, but that you can always improve this is true, in that we all are yet a long way off from perfection.Love in Christ,Mark

We've got a place not to far from my town. About 50-60 miles. It's called prayer mountain. People go there and fast for three days. They get in touch with God. And I really, really want to go there some time.

(Wakka;31131)
We've got a place not to far from my town. About 50-60 miles. It's called prayer mountain. People go there and fast for three days. They get in touch with God. And I really, really want to go there some time.
I hope you shave first thats in reference to your new avitar wakka thats quite a mustache he's sportin there

If prayer was a skill that can be attained by theoretical practice, anyone can attain a high level by practice. Where does that fit in?

Prayer is like a muscle and increases our faith the more we use it the stronger it gets and the stronger our prayer life the more effective our walk becomes. "It is our hot line to heaven." one man said. It is multifaceted used for worship, intercessing for others, and communication with our father just remember communication is a two way street always always always have a silent time in your prayer life listen for what God is saying to you as we become familuar with his voice we shall begin a whole new walk with him. Prayer is a special time of learning from the holy spirit about God and ourselves. If we are talking about skill as the same as being taught then yes prayer is a skill that we should all desire to learn.

(JIP;31152)
If prayer was a skill that can be attained by theoretical practice, anyone can attain a high level by practice. Where does that fit in?
Good point, but what I think you have to view here is the dynamic of prayer and relationships and not try to posit it too heavily in light of linear thinking. Just as in relationships you only get out of them what you are willing to put in; your prayer life will have a similar reflection. Ultimately it's the heart that God is after, but to deny that there are no other dynamics affecting your prayer and its effectiveness I would rather doubt. And its these "other" factors that can be learned to make the most out of ones prayer life. For example, if I pray in my heart Lord make me a better person. God still hears the sincerity of my prayer, if its there. But just by changing that to Lord through the name of Jesus Christ please fill me with the Holy Spirit I believe this and lay hold of your promise in Christ. I believe I will get better results.Why? Well you really have to break it down into what is effecting the dynamic spiritually as well as psychologically to the participant. It has nothing to do with the fact that one might be more eloquently put or be of larger content, or have been practiced more through vain repetition. As well, specifically knowing what the name of Jesus can do for you helps tremendously in spiritual tango. But tricks of the trade can never substitute for a truly contrite heart and someone else said it wisely that the Holy Spirit is there as your Prayer Warrior, or something like that.I remember once a demon had me on the run in my own home. I ran straight to my mother and my wife at the same time signaling them rapidly to pray over/with me, my face not showing a little concern. Prior to this I had some sort of illness/demon/darkness in my chest that was greatly impairing my breathing. These two loved me and they could see I was in trouble, they had every intention of helping me so we fervently joined hands in prayer over/with me yet to no avail. Did God not hear our prayer? Were we not gathered in His name? It was not till the words "In the name of Jesus, fill him with the Holy Spirit" that my oppressor fled in terror as God graced me with His Holy Spirit. I could breath fine again.I will never forget that day, I was full of God's Light and I could see it - visibly around me. There are also certain things that can be learned when praying against spiritual warfare. I do not know where I got this, so maybe it only helps me because I believe it helps me - so if there is anyone out there who knows please clarify to me concerning this. That when battling the principalities of darkness you are to pray God place (in the name of Jesus) angels on your door, windows, and in every corner of the rooms. This has always helped me.That was the prayer I was doing when that demon came in after me. I think he was trying to get in under the seal, but boy did he get a surprise, lol. So I think that this can articulate enough without giving other examples, that prayer is a dynamic that can be learned, but I wouldn't look at it as something like practicing your moves on the basketball court or anything like that.I can't help it one more thing. Praying according to scripture is something that can really increase your prayer life. I don't think I need to expound on that one though. There is a lot that can be gained through praying in line with the scriptures and well actually nothing that can be gained outside of that. So just as you can learn and increase your knowledge of the scriptures so as with your prayer life your blessings here will see increase. Truly the dynamic to look for though is the relational one in truth and spirit with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Love in Christ,Mark

Mark,Thank you for the testimony and your opinion. As for myself, I claimed the verses, that said , Satan is defeated and crushed and that 'It is finished'. Hence I have no demonic attacks or hindrances of that sort. My prayers are also personal and dynamic as is my relationship with Jesus Christ. I have know Jesus for more than 25 years and we are very intimate especially when in prayer. When I call His name, I know atonce He is with me. I needed no special skill, no understanding of the scripture, I just had to call in either in brokenness, or in worship or in praise. There were 4 hour prayer day where I just dont say anything, I just with His help recollect my past, take what is good and discard what is wrong. Slowly my idols, my obsessions, my habits, etc; etc; become less and less. This is continuing still today.Be Blessed.JIP

Thank you Jip for you reply. It truly is God who leads even in prayer and worship I am glad that you have this faith in Him. May you pray for me to have the same.Your brother in Christ.Mark

Dear Mark,we have our prayer warrior with us always, The Holy Spirit.He will guide you and pray for you tofcourse I will remember you, Mark whenever I pray.Be Blessed Always

(Kimshi42;30844)
Our pastor said if you want to learn how to pray, you need to get around people who know how to pray
Ha ha ha.. Prayer is simply talking to God and Jesus, we don't need to learn how to do that.. If we just mumble a few words anytime anywhere, that's prayer.For example if we're feeling things are getting on top of us at work, school or home, a simple "Oh God I can't take much more of this!" muttered under our breath is sufficient, as it immediately opens a communication link to God through which his strength and power begins downloading into us.For example,Johnny Cash says in a line from a song - "I talk to Jesus every day, and he listens to every word I say, no secretary ever tells me he's been called away, I talk to Jesus every day". Remember- "After Jesus spent the night in prayer, everybody tried to touch him because power was coming from him" (Luke 6:12-19)In a sense therefore, prayer is a way for us to touch him - "Someone touched me, I know that power has gone out from me." (Luke 8:46)

I prefer not to think as prayer as a skill. You can get better with practice, but skill leads to pride. There is the added danger that we think that prayer must conform to standards. It can become rote and formulaic if we let it. Prayer should flow like water from the heart.I prefer to think of prayer as a gift from God. It is astonishing that God who made the universe would want a relationship with me. It is remarkable that I would have access to him. Yet, through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit I can do just that.Thinking of prayer as a gift from God colors how I approach prayer. It gives me a grateful heart and joy. It also causes me to want my prayer to be a gift back to God. It is an offering. There is a reverence and humility that develops. It helps me to approach him and be close. Invariably my prayer changes focus when I see it this way. God is the center of prayer and not me.Blessings,Dunamite

Guys while for the most part I do not like calling prayer a skill I think that it is important to understand that not all have the greatest faith to just call upon Jesus and believe in faith. You may, but not everyone has this to begin with. I certainly didn't. It is prudent to say that babes in Christ should seek to be efficient prayers and that those who are great in Christ can lead the way. Yes obviously the Holy Spirit is their as your Prayer Warrior and intercessor to the Father, but lets be honest there is nothing wrong with admitting that some peoples' prayers are more effective. I know for one that my prayers are extremely effective in spiritual combat, but that I have never had my prayers answered for God to heal somebody.Maybe this was never in God's will, but I have been given the power to always pray and protect against spiritual warfare for others and myself, but I had to learn this first. I had to walk in it a little while and being around others greater than myself truly helped. I have been around people that pray for healing and are very in line with God and their prayers are answered and believe me there is something about witnessing it and being there that gives strength I would otherwise not find on my own. It's safe to say that with faith this is all you need, but not all have that faith and I would rather them immerse themselves with learned and experienced Christians then struggle on their own when it doesn't have to be. I think what his pastor was saying may have some flaws if you really want to tear it all apart, but I think there is some truth to it as I can testify from my own walk.