[coralproper]

I have made a few selfish prayers to god for myself in my life.....I have heard in church(when I went) those that pray for finacial help or help with a health problem for their self or one's they know.....over and over

and I have read in the bible that you should only ask "once" for something since our heavenly father knows what we need before we ask......

I am not good at all at prayer since my since of religon and being is probably warped...

but I have a prayer if prayer actually works that I'd like someone to help with more experiance in prayer than I......

my wife, 2 small children and I go on vacation regular to Florida...we have 2 young girls age 5 &3 that always have to stop at the rest areas probably 4-5 times each way

every time we leave one I am filled with a feeling of sadness and joy though,there are the mostly missing children pictures covering the walls of the rest areas that bring me sadness since most are young girls...then as we leave and I look at my girls I am filled with joy..and almost in tears

I would like to have help here with a prayer for these missing children/adults...since I am not good at wording a prayer

would someone please help me word this?

thanks in advance
Eddie

[nowheretorun]

i think that GOd, or the Higher Being, knows us intimately and that could be why only one prayer is suggested? The Great Spirit already knows that which is in our heart... so really, imo, prayer is hardly neccessary in this view..

but at times, i feel the need to call attention to a particular thing and so i "pray"... which is nothing more than giving the best effort i can to contact that which i know exists...

in my own words is fine... God heard your "prayer" ...

[KathyM]

Uh, Coral, if I were to judge you I'd say.......this is a GREAT prayer just as it is. No need to spray any perfume on it - you already gave it a piece of your heart.

I'll join you in praying for these kids, and for the people who are missing them.

[coralproper]

thank you kathyM & nowheretorun, but I often doubt my actual religous worth...since I constantly want to challenge God for letting such things happen and feel I understand him more than he likes, since I do believe in him.......though some may think good comes from bad...I see no good coming from these type things..

I have found that the bible says that God creates calamity and peace....so without the understanding that faithful followers seem to have of this..I feel unworthy to make prayers..even though so many live by them..but if it works..this is something that hurts my heart to see..and would be worthy of prayer to me

so many at church have said"this or that happend due to the grace of God"...and all I can think is why did he help for a superfical prayer when so many are being tortured in areas such as the Solo islands or even here in the USA that never had the chance yet to even hear the word Jesus or see a bible or know of these beliefs most hold so strong..

thanks again for the kind words though...I just want for more out of God than peace in my own life..since I feel he has set me up with so much good already and I just wait daily for the rug to be pulled out from under me for my lack of devotion to his demand for 24/7 glorification

but I see so many prayer requests here in this forum..and alot seem to think it works...that I thought I'd get out the one I have most on my mind if I could make just one help someone

[nowheretorun]

i think one thing that is constricting, and hope i dont set any one off, is this idea that the Bible is the only resource for God... there are many contradictions and available interpretations of the Book and it changes as often as you change the person you ask...

it helps me to remember that there are many sources and not all demand 24/7 glorification... that sounds like the narcissitic version of God to me..

God loves us despite our failures.. imo, God wants us to be healthy and happy, giving and loving...

sure there are books that will complicate, but it all is really simple...

dont confuse religion with spirituality.. being spiritual means "being in the spirit" ..

the spirit of God comes in many forms...

once you've chosen a faith, it is best to be aware of what that following entails..

they say to have a personal relationship with Jesus... i was bold enough to skip the part that says that is where it all begins and ends.. i wanted to know more...

so i began a personal relationship with God itself...

i still believe in many of the Bibles teachings, but i prefer a more personal relationship than that offered by the local churches... they didnt give me what i needed.. its fine for some, dont get me wrong...

but after arguing with myself over self-acceptance and the way i felt when in the social aspects of the more popular religions, i decided there must be another way to go about finding a link with divinity... and, imo, i made the right choice for me....

practice writing a few prayers if you like... i dont think its a sin..

[coralproper]

nowhere to run I like your train of thought.

I have study'd many contradictions in depth....ex specially the most known genealogy issue of Jesus in Mat and Luke...and can defend either side....Mat says Jacob begot Joseph and Luke say's he was the son of Heli..very contrary and important

but either way I have learned to make since of both sides...either it being contrary or...well I can defend either side of the debate

I actually think our conscious is a carbon copy of God/bible..and the book is not needed,,since those in parts of the Solo islands still have never saw a bible and missionarys would be killed if they go there

but wish I could just put together a prayer...but don't feel I will ever be able to make one like I hear at church.

hear go's my best....

God please grant these children and those missing them as Kathy said.... peace on earth through this holiday season..though I can imagine there pain is beyond my comprehension I still grieve at the sight of their faces and don't understand why people must suffer like this
while you have such power....but I will continue to try to understand despite this........amen

[nowheretorun]

very well done imo Coral... you sound sincere, and to me, that is where its at... sincerely seeking God will take you there... Peace to you and thanks for a beautiful prayer...

[KathyM]

Smells good from here - nice perfume, Coral