Today, we conclude our look at the proper attitude in prayer. One may continue in the attitude of prayer throughout the day as we are to be obedient to Him regardless of the function, we are performing in the material world. Observant Jews are constantly reminded of God's presence and of their relationship with God, because they are continually in an attitude of prayer toward Him. The first thought in the morning, even before they rise from bed, is a prayer thanking God for returning their souls to them. The Jews offer prayers that are recited before enjoying any material pleasure, such as eating or wearing new clothes; prayers to recite before performing any commandment, such as washing hands or lighting candles; prayers to be recited upon seeing anything unusual, such as a king, a rainbow, or the site of a great tragedy; prayers to be recited whenever some good or bad thing happens; and prayers to recite before going to bed at night. In sum, our attitude in prayer is to be that of submission to the will of God and continual introspection. “Hebraic prayer is active; it is the emotional well-spring that must gush forth in action. It is emotion in motion.” This is to be maintained during our waking hours. An understanding of this proper attitude in prayer will assist us to live our lives continually before the Lord. Why is learning to pray like a Jew important? The short answer is that our Lord Jesus Christ was raised as a Jew and it was how He prayed. If we are His disciple, we should follow Him, and that includes how we pray.
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