When some people rise (or kneel) to pray there are reverberations from both God and human observers because not all prayer is actually prayer.  God himself must wonder “Why isn’t he/she talking to me?” and we have asked ourselves “Who does that Pharisee think he is fooling with his interminable recitation and empty repetitions?”  

In our Lord’s prayer (John 17) he addresses the Father as subject or predicate (you) 38 times) and as possessor (thy/your) 9 times.  He does not talk to angels or disciple.  One cannot talk to the audience or person one wants to help and call the utterance a prayer.

Some of us who pray have the fortune of learning to pray under the loving guidance of a parent.  Others had the benefit of an education system that invested in a Christian heritage and value system.  Others yet claim to have an inside channel to effective prayer and their own lives, not surprisingly,  are not examples of prevailing prayer.  Not many would venture a definition of  prayer that is not simply talking to and listening to God.  Even so, inspiring and effective prayers are rare.

I am sure you have hear the battering ram kind of prayer: saying “in Jesus’ name” 72 times does not make put a matter in or under Jesus’ name.  You must have heard the prayer that begins innocently enough but deteriorates into decrees or healing and success, which are rarely observed coming to pass.  Taking the cake must be the prayer that never addresses God.  Here are some examples.

An example of a mindless request.  If God is “Father” one does not need to ask to be placed “into a kingship throne”.  It would be good if God answered the request for wisdom, but  one only need to look at Solomon to realize that this request is carnal and ignorant of the Christian economy.

Prayer: Father in the name of Jesus, release your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding into my life that will elevate me into a kingship throne of blessings and success in Jesus mighty name Amen.

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Why not just let the transforming Word of God do its work instead of asking for one’s enemies to bow?

Prayer: Father let there be a divine transformation in my life and household, that will make my enemies that meant evil against me to bow themselves and glorify Jesus- Amen.

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Since when do demonic prophecies catch Holy Ghost fire and burn to ashes?

Prayer: In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, every demonic prophecy upon my life and household, CATCH FIRE OF HOLY GHOST and burn to ashes in Jesus mighty name Amen.

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In this next “prayer” to whom is the supplicant talking?
(the revealer shall reveal… your life unto you, to elevate you)? No kidding!

Prayer: In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the revealer of the secret things shall reveal the dreams of your life unto you, to elevate you into a glorious position in the Kingdom of God in Jesus name. Amen.

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 To whom is the supplicant talking in this “All enemies that  defy your God…”?

Prayer: All enemies that defy your God with sword of their mouth and rely on the power of their flesh – FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! OF HOLY GHOST will devour them and their carcases will be given to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth shall eat them up in Jesus mighty name – Amen.
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Even this, beginning with “Father Lord Jesus Christ” is not a prayer.  (is the supplicant telling God what is going to happen?)

Father Lord Jesus Christ, every bareness, premature death, and bitterness attached to my foundation, shall hear the WORDS OF GOD today!!! They shall catch FIRE OF HOLY GHOST in Jesus name – My Divine Covenant made with my foundation shall become manifest in Jesus name. Amen.

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Often one has to ask “Where did you learn to pray?” because  mosque, home, church or synagogue have all been responsible for creating not a few miserable specimens of both supplication and supplicant.  The very nature of church , mosque and synagogue tends to create more corporately-correct versions of prayer than effective and inspiring interactions with the deity.

Let’s filter the godless chatter for this is good.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Matt 6:7-9