If you have just discovered your Christian, Jewish or Islamic faith and want to start praying to God, follow these simple steps to be able to dedicate your time to Him.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Before Praying
Step 1. Think about what you want to pray for
Before you begin, think about what you want to pray for. What are the things in your life that worry you? What things are you grateful for? How do you want God to come into your life? What questions do you have? These are the things you should pray about. Knowing what you want to say first will allow you to have a clearer idea and feel calmer as you begin to pray.
Step 2. Talk to your spiritual advisor or a trusted friend
After thinking about the things you would like to talk to God about, consult a priest, imam, rabbi, or family friend you trust. Ask them how they think God can help you and what they think about your concerns and questions. This may help you open your eyes to questions and answers that you have never thought about.
Step 3. Find a good place to pray
When you are ready to pray, you will need to find an appropriate place and the right time. It should be a quiet place where you can spend time and that allows you to focus on your conversation with God, to show Him your devotion.
However, if you feel the need to pray quickly even in a non-ideal situation, do so. You don't need anything special for God to listen to you. He will understand your concerns, all he wants is that you love him and try to follow him
Step 4. Search for any necessary or additional items
You may need some items when you pray, such as candles, a Bible, mementos from loved ones, or other items that are valuable to you. Arrange these items respectfully so that they are within easy reach.
Step 5. Plan to pray alone or with other people
You decide whether you prefer to pray alone or together with others. Different faiths may suggest different methods, but you don't have to feel obligated to follow a specific convention. Do what you feel is right by following your heart, be it praying in a church full of people or alone in a corner in the direction of Mecca.
Method 2 of 5: Create a Basic Prayer for Christians
Step 1. Show respect
Show respect by placing yourself humbly before God. Simply dress (if you can), do not proudly show your prayers to those next to you, and pray on your knees with your head bowed (if you can).
Step 2. Read the Bible
You might start reading a passage from the Bible that has special meaning for you. This will open your heart to His words and allow you to show Him your devotion.
Step 3. Thank God
Thank him for all his gifts. Thank him for anything that makes you happy, makes your life better, or makes the world a better place. You must understand that all of these blessings represent how God demonstrates his love for people and should therefore be celebrated and appreciated.
Step 4. Ask for forgiveness
Ask for God's forgiveness for the mistakes you have made. Open your heart and remember that we all make mistakes - no one is perfect. While it may be difficult to admit them or think about the mistakes you've made, this way you will find a way to be better. Be sincere and in your heart you will know if God has forgiven you.
Step 5. Ask for your guide
Ask for God's guidance. He is not a genius nor a magical being who can grant your wishes… He is there to guide you on the path you are destined to take. Ask Him to guide you and show you what the right decisions are and what is the way to become a better person, for you, for the world and for the people around you.
Step 6. Pray for others
Pray for those who need it. You can pray for your family, for your friends, or for people you don't know. Ask God to show His love so that they can find their way when they feel lost. Don't judge others or their problems; God is the only Judge and He will do what is right.
Remember that people are not the Devil or demons; they are souls, just like you, and they can be led by God. Don't ask them to be punished, ask them to understand their mistakes and seek forgiveness as you do
Step 7. End your prayer
End the prayer in any way you see fit. The most common way is to say 'Amen'.
Method 3 of 5: Create a Basic Prayer for Jews
Step 1. Try to pray in Hebrew
Many believe that praying in Hebrew is better, even though G-d will understand you no matter what language you speak. Do your best and He will understand.
Step 2. Try to pray with others
Jews prefer to pray more often and in groups, unlike Christians who are more oriented to pray individually. If you can, pray with others. You can do this in the Temple, at home with your family, or while out with friends.
Step 3. You need to know the different prayers for the different rituals
Instead of using the individual daily prayers, Jews prefer to recite different blessings according to different parts of the day, events, and times of the year. You will need to learn the different prayers and when to say them, as well as the Holy Days which require special prayers.
Step 4. If you prefer, please pray individually
If the common way of praying isn't your thing and you feel you communicate better with G-d or alone, that's okay. You can pray using the Christian method and G-d will understand. Your devotion and obedience are more important to Him.
Method 4 of 5: Create a Basic Prayer for Muslims
Step 1. Pray at the right times
Muslims pray at specific times of the day and you will need to learn what they are and respect them. You can do a search, ask the imam, or download an application or program to your mobile or computer.
Step 2. Position yourself
You will have to face Mecca when you pray. This is an important part of praying for Muslims. You will need to look for the right direction in the area where you live. Alternatively, you can use an app or program for your phone or computer that acts as your compass and points you in the right direction, no matter where you are.
Step 3. Sit down, stand up, and move correctly
Muslims should sit, stand, bow and move their hands and body in specific ways during prayer. These gestures may seem complicated and you may need to do some research. You can also learn by observing other Muslim practitioners, both outside and inside your mosque.
Step 4. Begin your prayer
Start praying the right way. Muslim prayer is much more specific and rigid than Christian prayer. The standard opening takes place by invoking "Allah - Wa - Akbar" and then reciting Isteftah Dua and Surah Al-Fatiha.
Step 5. Recite the suras
Recite the surahs appropriate to the time of day or those recited by those around you. If you are alone you can recite whatever Surah you think is appropriate.
Step 6. Say the right number of rakats
The rakats, or prayer circles, are standardized and a certain number is foreseen at any time of the day. You must know the number and try to recite at least as many as are expected.
Step 7. End the prayer
Close your prayers as usual by turning your head to the right and saying, "As Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu '." The angel who receives your good deeds is on this side. Then turn your head to the left and say "As Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu '." The angel who collects your sins is on this side. Now the prayer is over.
Method 5 of 5: After You Pray
Step 1. Look for signs that God has listened to you
Once you are done praying, as you go about your day, look for signs that show you that God has heard your prayers. Keep your heart open and try to understand the ways He tries to lead you on the right path. In your heart you will know when you are doing the right thing.
Step 2. Follow Him and keep your promises
If you have promised God that you will improve or work harder for something, you should keep your promise. Work as hard as you can, honestly and humbly, and God will understand and be pleased.
Step 3. Pray regularly
Don't just pray when you're faced with a big problem. God is not the plaster for your wounds. Always pray and show him the respect he deserves. Practice and over time, praying will become easy.
Step 4. Help and pray with others
If you begin to pray more, you will feel the desire to do it together with others and to make the people around you understand how much they can achieve by praying. Lead them to God by helping them, honestly, humbly and never judging them, and many will feel the same desire to know Him that you did.
Advice
- Always trust what your heart tells you to do. If a priest, boss, friend, or family member tells you something that doesn't make you feel comfortable, pray for it. God will tell you what is right and you will feel happy and safe in your heart. No one but God can tell you what is right and what He desires.
- Pray whenever you need it, wherever you are, in traffic, before an exam or before meals.
