How to pray night prayer

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentioned that Salah is the 2nd pillar of Islam and it is obligatory on every Muslim to offer Salah five times a day. Salah is one of the most important parts of every Muslim’s life.  It is of two types: first is the obligatory Namaz, which is to be offered five times a day at specific times with no choice of skipping it under normal circumstances, while second is the Nafl (extravagant prayer) which is optional and one is not answerable to the Almighty for not performing it.

Tahajjud namaz is one of the non-obligatory prayers which one should pray in the later part of the night after getting some sleep. “And from the night, pray with it as additional for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” (Quran, 17: 79)

From the above-mentioned verse, we can conclude that tahajjud namaz which is performed during night time will result in finding a blessed rank on the Day of Judgment. And surely this prayer will be tahajjud namaz which offers in the later part of the night.

Importance of Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud means to abandon sleep so that you can pray Salah. There are Numbers of Hadith and verses emphasize the significance of invoking Allah Almighty by solicitation and prayers in the darkest nights.

“The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Abu Hurayra narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The very best prayer after the compulsory prayers is the night time prayer.”(Muslim)

Tahajjud prayer usually is done by alone without together. Tahajjud prayer is not limited in number, but at least two Rakah. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) explained that: “Evening prayer that two-two.” (Bukhari)

Time of Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud prayer may be performed in the early part of the night, the middle part of the night, or the later part of the night, but after the obligatory Isha prayer. Tahajjud prayer can be performed whenever in the night unless the doer time for sleep. But the best time to perform is 1/3 of the night after waking up from sleep.  Actually, the time to perform Tahajjud prayer is since the specified Isha until dawn (all night) after getting up from sleep. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has told his followers:

Abu Muslim asked Abu Zhar: “Which late-night prayer is the best?” He said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah the same that you asked me and he said, ‘The (one done during) middle of the latter half of the night, and very few do it.’” (Ahmad)

It can’t be offered straight away after Isha, yet just after one`s rest, neither when the time is close to Fajr.

Conditions of offering Tahajjud Prayer

1. Make an intention of performing Tahajjud prayer and rearrange to wake up finally a piece of the night.
2. Make sure to perform Wudu as one should perform before every tahajjud namaz.
3. Move to a clean and quiet place in the house being away from distractions.
4. Offer at least two Raka`ts up to 12, depending on one`s willpower.
5. Don’t forget to supplicate to Allah SWT for one`s just and rightful requests in order to get benefited from this exceedingly rewarding hour of darkness.

Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer

Following benefits one could get by offering Tahajjud prayer:

• It gives inner strength
• It gives mental toughness
• Seek forgiveness and surely Allah will listen
•  The doors of Mercy and Forgiveness are open during the last 1/3 of night
• If someone wishes his/her Dua to be accepted this is the best time to ask 
• Huge incentive for the believer to wake up when everyone else is asleep and remember Allah (SWT) alone
•  Tahajjud prayer can strengthen religious understanding
• It can bring fresh inspiration and innovation
• Tahajjud prayer can delete wickedness and prevent act of sin
• Tahajjud prayer can strengthen the memory

Conclusion

Tahajjud prayer is one of the best among non-obligatory prayers, it is the cause of getting Allah`s great Blessings and Mercy. As stated in Hadith

“The Messenger of Allah ordered us to pray during the night, a little or a lot, and to make the last of the Prayer the Witar Prayer.”

We all should make a practice to offer this tahajjud namaz so that we can come more and more close to Almighty Allah.

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Ending your day with prayer is a wonderful way to let go of stress and find peace before falling asleep. No matter what you faced today, talking to God through goodnight prayers will renew your faith. Evening prayer also helps you see all the good things that happened in your day that you have to be thankful for!

Share these nine bedtime and evening prayers with your children, spouse and friends so they too can fall asleep feeling blessed and thankful! 

Goodnight Prayer for Blessings

Bless us with rest tonight, Jesus, and a good night’s sleep. Forgive us for the things we did today that did not honor you. Thank you for loving us so much and that you know us through and through. We need your help every day, and we thank you for the strength you give and for helping us know that with you, even hard things are possible. Bless our family and our home, and keep us safe through the night. May your angels guard us and watch over us, just like you promised.

You’ve told us we are just like sheep. And that you lead us and guard us like a shepherd. You know our names, and you make us feel special and loved. When we hurt, you help us feel better. Thank you, Jesus, for your good care and for giving us to help. Thank you for the Bible, and for teaching us stuff in life that helps us grow. Bless the people in our world, and help them to know you love them, too. Thank you for all the people who help us so much: teachers, doctors, policeman, and fireman—and so many more.

Thank you for your good plan for our lives. Help us to obey you and love you more and more. When we awake in the morning, put a smile on our face and your purpose in our hearts, ready to start a new day. We love you, Jesus. Good night. In Jesus’s precious name, Amen. ~ ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan

A Bedtime Prayer to Stop an Anxious Heart

Dear Lord, please help me trust You and empower me through Your Spirit to stop my emotions from bossing me around. I want to quit worrying about what might happen and focus on what has already happened by remembering and praising You for Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Renee Swoop

Giving Thanks Evening Prayer

Dear God, we thank you tonight for the good day and for the special way you take care of us all the time. Thank you for the fun times outside and the quiet times inside, and for helping us learn new things every day.

Thank you for creating us special, exactly the way you wanted. Thank you for protecting us throughout the day. Forgive us for the wrong things we do. Thank you for loving us even when we disobey or try to do things our way. Help us to always choose your way, God, because it’s always best. We pray for all the people who don’t know you, and that they will come to understand your love for them, too.

Bless our family and thank you for good times together and apart. Bless our friends and those we love, including our grandparents, our aunts and uncles and cousins. Thank you for our home and a place to sleep and good food to eat. Help us rest well, give us peaceful dreams, and send your angels around our home to protect us throughout the night. Teach us to trust you and to love you more and more. You are good; you are great; and you are faithful, God. And we love you. Good night. In Jesus’s precious name, Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan

A Short Night-time Prayer (2 Timothy 1:7)

For God’s not given me a spirit of fear, 
But a spirit of love, 
and of power, and a sound mind,
To live each day and glorify his name. 

Popular Child’s Bedtime Prayer, 18th Century

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Alternative Version for Children:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Watch and guard me through the night,
and wake me with the morning light.
Amen.

A Beautiful Prayer to End the Day

Heavenly Father, my day is drawing to an end, and I’m ready to turn in. But before I do, I have to thank you for your faithfulness today. It’s always a good day, even when things may not go the way I plan, or when the world seems in chaos, because you are in control.

For all the times when I was aware of your help today, all the times when your unseen presence seemed so near, thank you, God. But for all the ways you worked behind the scenes, unknown to me, moments when heaven-sent angels moved on my behalf in ways I’ll never know, thank you for those also, Lord.

Forgive me for any foolish actions on my part today or things I did without first asking your blessing or wisdom. Those are moments I’d rather forget, but I’m so grateful for your forgiveness when I ask. I never want to go to bed without clearing the air between us, Lord. Our friendship means too much, and your holiness deserves that. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Your love compels me to give you my all and fills my heart with praise for the relationship we share because of Jesus.

As I close my eyes tonight, I’m praying for loved ones around me, for friends and those who need to know you, Lord. I’m praying that your love, like the billions of stars in the night sky outside, will touch them and help them see who you really are. I pray for our world and those in it. I pray for their needs as well as my own.

Grant me a good night’s sleep tonight, God, so that I can awake refreshed and ready to begin another day loving you. Thank you again for blessings so undeserved and too numerous to count. I love being your child, and I long for the word “faithful” to describe my service to you, each day of every year. When I awake in the morning, may it be with a joyful smile, not a grumpy spirit. May your protection and your presence bathe this place with peace and safety against the enemy. Good night, Lord. In Jesus’s name, Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Father, We Thank Thee

Father, we thank thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.
Help us to do the things we should,
To be to others kind and good;
In all we do, in work or play,
To grow more loving every day.
— Rebecca Weston – 1890

Bedtime Prayer (song by Twila Paris)

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray dear Lord that you will keep
Your eyes upon this sleeping world
Every little boy and girl

Bless the children far away
The ones who don’t know how to pray
Those who are not feeling well
The little one the slipped and fell

Bless the puppy down the street
The neighbors I have yet to meet
Bless my mom and dad especially

Just one more thing I’d like to say
Before I close another day
I’d like to thank you Lord for all the ways
That You bless me

Bless the child whose home is torn
The babies who are not yet born
Bless the ones who take your word
To all the hearts that have not heard

Bless all your children everywhere
I hope they know how much you care
Maybe someday I can go
And tell them that You love them so

Bless Grandma and my Grandpa too
And all my friend and all they do
Bless every twig upon my family tree

Just one more thing I’ll say to you
I’m so amazed by all you do
I’ll thank you once again because it’s true
That you bless me

The Examen (Evening Reflection)

Written by St. Ignatius Loyola, the Examen is a daily process for prayerfully reflecting on your day. 

1. Remember God’s presence.
Even after a trying day, God will quiet your soul as you remember His presence and intentionally seek to enter into it. Remember He’s with you. Invite Him to make Himself present to you. 

2. Respond to Him with thanks.
Giving thanks gives God glory and helps us look on the bright side of a bad day. What small blessings can you thank God for?

3. Reflect on how God showed Himself to you.
God reveals himself through scripture, but we also see glimpses of him in nature, events, and people. Sometimes He shows up loudly through miraculous, divine intervention. Other times He shows Himself quietly through the beauty of a flower or an earnest conversation. As you look back over your day, can you identify moments where you sensed God’s revelation or intervention? 

4. Repent of your failings.
I don’t like recognizing my own sin, but repentance is key to continual renewal in our relationship with God.As you reflect on your day, remember specific points where you failed. Bring your shortcomings before God and ask Him to forgive you.  

5. Resolve to grow. 
God is in the business of changing us, so don’t let your failings discourage or define you. His mercies are always new. Accept His forgiveness. Ask Him for grace to change. Is there anything you need to make right or anyone you need to apologize to? What can you do differently tomorrow?

Do you have a favorite goodnight prayer you use at bedtime? One that your parents taught you or that you are teaching your children? Share it with our community in the comments below!

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing

Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersThe Prayer of JabezShort PrayersThe Lord’s PrayerThe Prayer of St FrancisSerenity PrayerA Birthday PrayerSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessPrayer for GuidanceIntercessory PrayerIrish Prayers and BlessingsAdvent PrayersChristmas PrayersThanksgiving PrayerHoly Week Prayers for Each DayEaster PrayersMother’s Day PrayerPrayers for My HusbandPrayers for My SonPrayers for My DaughterPrayer Quotes

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.

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Tahajjud prayer (prayer performed by becoming awake after sleep at night) and other prayers offered at night-time

Every time has a specific feature in Allah’s sight. However, certain times are more valuable than others, and they are to be taken advantage of. And night-time is one of these times that the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) describe as valuable.

The value that Allah ascribes to night-time and the secrets hidden in it are countless. Allah says: “

The night and its homing

!” (Inshiqaq, 84:17). “

And by the night when it is still

!..” (Dhuha, 93:2). The secret of the swearing of Allah by the night is a Divine window to get our hearts and souls to watch many facts.

The night is the time to prostrate before the Divine Being with love and affection for the sake of pleasing Him instead of lying down in smooth beds. Therefore, extra prayers performed at night are of great importance in achieving immediacy with Allah. Thus, one desires and performs prayers at night as much Divine Love as s/he has. It may be said that praying at night is like meeting and conversing with one’s lover at night. Being awake at a time when everybody is asleep means being included in the group of love and mercy.

How to Perform the Tahajjud Prayer (The Night Prayer)

The Prophet (pbuh) used to pray at night until he was footsore. He was once asked:

“– O the Messenger of Allah! Why do you strain yourself though Allah declared in the Qur’an (in chapter 48) that you were forgiven of all your sins?”

He replied:

“– Should not I be a thanking servant?” (Bukhari, Tahajjud, 6).

The Prophet (pbuh) also said:

“The most virtuous prayer except the obligatory prayers is the one offered by becoming awake after sleep at night.” (Muslim, Siyam, 202-203).

“Two units of prayer performed at night is more beneficial than anything in the world. If I thought that it would not be a burden on my people I would enjoin it on them.” (Fadail al-Amal, 257).

“There is a certain moment at night. If a Muslim catches that moment to wish something from Allah, that thing is granted to him/her.” (Tirmizi, Vitr, 16).

“If a man wakes up at night and also wakes his wife up to offer two units of prayer together, Allah registers their names among those who remember Allah most.” (Abu Dawud, Tatawwu, 18).

“Do not you ever disregard praying at night! Because it was a custom of righteous people before you. Worshipping at night brings one closer to Allah, atones for one’s sins, keeps the body from illnesses, and prevents one from performing sinful acts.” (Tirmizi).

“Let Allah show mercy to the man who wakes up at night to pray, and also wakes his wife up to do so. Let Allah show mercy to the woman who wakes up at night to pray, and also wakes her husband up to do so!” (Abu Dawud, Vitr, 13).

The Prophet (pbuh) told Abu Zarr:

“– Do you get prepared when you are about to set forth on a journey?”

Abu Zarr replied:

“– Of course, o Prophet”

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“– Well, how do you think that the journey on the Day of Judgment will be? Take heed of what I will tell you; shall I tell you what you would benefit from on the Day of Judgment?”

Abu Zarr replied:

“– Yes, o Messenger of Allah!”

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Fast on a very hot day for the Day of Judgment. Offer a prayer of two units at night to be saved from loneliness in the grave. Make the journey to Qabah once in a lifetime, and give alms to a needy person for the great occasions of the Doomsday. Say just words or save your tongue from saying unjust things!”

(ibn Abi’d-Dunya, Kitab al-Tahajjud).

The Prophet (pbuh) said to Abu Hurayra in this regard:

“O Abu Hurayra! If you want the company of the Mercy of Allah when in the grave and on the Doomsday, wake up at night to offer a prayer for Allah’s sake. O Abu Hurayra! If you pray at the corner of your house, your house lightens as a constellation in the sky, and it becomes like a star for the people of the world.” (Ihya al-Ulumiddin, I, 1023).

Abdallah bin Omar, for interpretation, let the Prophet (pbuh) know one of his dreams through Hafsa, who was the sister of Abdullah and the wife of the Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) said while interpreting the dream:

“Abdallah is a great person. Yet, it would be superb if he prayed at night!..”

From that day on, Abdallah never abandoned praying at night. (Bukhari, Tahajjud, IV, 360).

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“The Archangel Gabriel said: “The honor of a believer is, no doubt, related to night-time prayer…'” (Hakim, Mustadrak, IV, 360).

One of the servants whom Allah is pleased with is one who gets out of his/her gentle and warm bed in order to offer the prayer of tahajjud. Allah is well-pleased with that servant and says to the angels:

“– What makes this servant of Mine care about praying at this time of the night?”

The angels reply:

“– It is his/her wish to attain Your Grace and Blessing, and also fear of Your punishment.”

Allah says:

“I grant him/her what s/he wishes from Me then. And I safeguard him/her from what s/he fears from.” (Fadail al-Amal, 299).

Many verses of the Qur’an call the servants to remember Allah at night-time.

And during part of the night, -Aleyhisselâm-, celebrate His praises, and (so likewise) after the postures of adoration.” (Qaf, 50: 40).

“And for the part of the night also praise Him, and at the retreats of the stars.” (Tur 52:49).

“Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing.” (Furqan 25:64).

Allah explains the features of those who will be saved from the Divine punishment and be placed in paradise:

“They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night. And in the hours of early dawn, they (were found) praying for forgiveness.” (Zariyat, 51:17-18).

In addition to this honoring, Allah cites those believers who remember Him at night-time as superior when comparing believers with disbelievers:

“What! he who is obedient during hours of the night, prostrating himself and standing, takes care of the hereafter and hopes for the mercy of his Lord! Say: Are those who know and those who do not know alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful.” (Zumar, 39:9).

As Allah describes those who devoutly worship at night as such, He forewarns those unwary servants who do not behave accordingly:

“And part of the night, prostrate yourself to Him; and glorify Him a long night through.”

“As to these they love the fleeting life, and put away behind them a Day (that will be) hard.” (Insan, 76:26-27).

The second part of the night is said to be more valuable. The Prophet (pbuh) was once asked about it:

“– In which part of the night are the worships more likely to be accepted?”

He replied:

“The worships that are done in the second half of the night…” (Abu Dawud).

However, as it is not too easy to worship at night, one is supposed to observe some points. In addition to the strong desire to worship at night, one is supposed to have a light dinner and keep early nights. It is narrated that:

“The Prophet (pbuh) used to discourage people to sleep before the late-night prayer, and he also used to discourage them to have long conversations after it.” (Bukhari, Mawaqit al-Salat, 23).

A Muslim should be in the habit of keeping early hours, and waking up early. There may be exceptions to that on condition that they should not hamper one’s activity to worship at night. Omar, the second caliph, says:

“The Prophet (pbuh), sometimes, used to speak with Abu Bakr about the affairs of Muslims until daybreak. And I used to stay with them.” (Tirmizi).

These principles are necessary to remove the strain of waking up for prayer and also to untie the knots of Satan tied through sleep. The Prophet (pbuh) says:

“When you sleep Satan ties three knots on the back of your neck. And he says to each knot let a long night stay with you.’ When you wake up and cite the name of Allah one of the knots unties. When you make ablution another knot unties. And when you offer a prayer all of the knots untie. Thus, you wake up hale and hearty in the morning. Otherwise, you wake up asleep and downhearted.” (Bukhari, Tahajjud, 12).

So, it is clear that the prayer offered at night is so valuable that it comes second only after the obligatory prayers.

However, those who do prayers at night are to be reminded that they should not be proud just because they do worship at night. If so, they lose the blessing they would get.

They should always bear the following saying of the Prophet (pbuh) in mind:

“There are many who worship at night, yet they get nothing out of it. They just stay awake.” (Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad, II, 373).

When to perform Tahajjud prayer

I write in sequence.

1. Salatul Isha 2. A little sleep and wake up 3. Tahajjud 4. Witr 5. Salatul Fajr

How to perform salat al Tahajjud (The Night Prayer)

How to Offer Salat al Tahajjud (The Night Prayer)

• First make the Niyyah (intention) by reciting “I intend to perform two rakats of the salat al Tahajjud”
• You say takbir “Allahu Akbar” This starts the prayer.
• Begin reciting “Subhanaka”
• After you say: “Audhu billahi min-ash-shayta -nir-rajeem Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-raheem”
• Reciting Surah Al Fatiha
• Another portion (Surah) of the Qur’an.
• Go into Ruku (the bowing position) and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Azeem”
• Go into the 1st Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
• Now sit-up from the first Sajdah in jalsa position (Sitting position between the two Sajdahs)
• Now go into the 2nd Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”

• Rise up to proceed to the next raka’at,
• You say “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-raheem”
• Reciting Surah Al Fatiha
• Another portion (Surah) of the Qur’an.
• Go into Ruku (the bowing position) and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Azeem”
• Go into the 1st Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
• Now sit-up from the first Sajdah in jalsa position (Sitting position between the two Sajdahs)
• Now go into the 2nd Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
• After this, you sit for the complete Tashshahud: You recite At-tahiyyat, Allah-umma salli, Allah-umma Barik and Rabbana.
• By turning to your face to the right first and saying “Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah” and then to his left and doing the same

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The Lord’s Prayer is a basic and very important pattern as Jesus taught us to pray when the disciples asked. Given by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-14 (“This is how you should pray,” He said), it is considered an outline of an individual Christian’s relationship with God and other people.

It praises the Lord and covers everything we need in this life and to attain happiness. This is often one of the first prayers taught to a new Christian, whether a child is learning to pray or an adult is entering the faith. Make it a living prayer, as a guide every day, that God may bless you in every way.

Steps

1. Quiet your thoughts and focus them on God.

   If you want, kneel, close your eyes, or make the

   Sign of the Cross

   . Begin with:

   “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed

   be Thy name”. Here, you praise God as your Father and lift up His name as holy.

2. Praise the Lord’s kingdom and desire its fulfillment:

   “Thy kingdom come.” His kingdom brings righteousness, peace, and joy in the presence of the Holy Spirit; and you are asking Him to usher these values into the world.

3. Next, trust your life into the hands of the Lord, saying: “Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” God is just and kind, and He sees what is best for you in the long run, so you seek to submit yourself to His will.

4. Ask God to help you with your daily needs by praying: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

5. Ask Him to wash away your sins, while reminding you that you should let go of your grudges and anger. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
6. Ask God to guard you from testing and evil. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

7. Declare His power, trusting that everything is possible with Him, saying: “For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever.”

8. Conclude your prayer humbly by saying:

   “Amen.” Jesus taught us: “After this manner therefore pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.

   Give us this day our daily bread.

   Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

   Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

   For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever. Amen.”

   (Matthew 6: 9–13)

Community Q&A

Add New Question

• Question

  How do I focus on God?

  Studying the Bible is a great way to focus on God.

• Question

  Do I have to recite the Lord’s Prayer every time I pray? Or can I simply speak to God and thank him, etc?

  You can definitely just pour your heart out to God. The Lord’s Prayer is a great prayer to return to when you can’t think of anything else to pray, though.

• Question

  Is the Lord’s Prayer a good prayer when fasting?

  Yes, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedth out of the mouth of God.”

• Question

  Do I have to pray the same prayer every night?

  No. Just talk to God. Whatever is in your heart, he hears.

• Question

  What do I do if I am unable to quiet my mind and focus?

  Get comfortable somewhere quiet, close your eyes, and take several deep breaths, focusing just on your breathing. You could also try heading to a park and settle down in a peaceful place.

• Question

  Is it appropriate to say “Our father or mother” instead of just “Our father?”

  Jesus said, “Our Father…” Let’s follow his example. The Scriptures identify God in the masculine form, not the feminine. Also remember, that God is a Spirit and not made of flesh like us.

• Question

  How do I pray in Nepali?

  Pray as you would any place. Taking time in your thoughts to talk with God does not have to be anything which any other knows about except yourself. Your thoughts, prayers, to God are private. Praying while working, doing daily activities keeps you with the ever present Lord though the Holy Spirit. Prayer is a blessing and free to all who desire a relationship with Christ.

• Question

  How can I pray when I am getting ready to go to sleep?

  Acrocanthosaurus

  Community Answer

  You don’t have to fold your hands, kneel, or even speak out loud to pray. You can think about the words and what they mean in your head.

• Question

  What is meant by “lead us not into temptation” in the Lord’s Prayer?

  “Lead Us Not Into Temptation” means “don’t lead us to sin.” It is asking the Lord to guide you morally, and to steer you away from situations where you might commit a sin.

• Question

  What are all the “thines” and “thous” for?

  “Thou,” “thy,” and “thine” are older-English, more formal versions of “you,” “your,” and “yours,” respectively. When the Bible was translated into English, these were the common terms, and a lot of prayers and religious writings continue to use them – though there are also more modernized versions of the Lord’s Prayer than have updated the language.

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Tips

• For God to forgive you, it is important you do the same. You need to actually forgive others when you pray as we forgive those who trespass against us.
• Do not thoughtlessly recite this prayer – think about it and say if from the heart.
• The apparent meaning depicted in the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer, as a Christian’s first and most ardent desire, is: (1) the glory of God (desiring that God’s “will being done on earth” which is all encompassing), and (2) the happiness of man by His kingdom coming and (3) asks for no more of this world than daily bread (this would perhaps include occupation and health), longing meantime for the bread that came down from heaven and (4) whose only other desires are forgiveness of sins, as he heartily forgives others, and (5) sanctification (desiring to avoid wrongdoing).

Warnings

• Jesus: “When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matt 6:7-8)
• Jesus said: “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matt. 6:5-6)

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Categories: Christianity

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Español: rezar el Padre Nuestro, Русский: читать молитву “Отче наш”, Português: Orar o Pai Nosso, Italiano: Recitare il Padre Nostro, Français: réciter le Notre Père, Bahasa Indonesia: Berdoa “Bapa Kami”, العربية: تأدية الصلاة الربانية, 한국어: 주기도문 기도하기

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