Last week I received a request from my 18-year-old granddaughter. “How do you address God at the start of a prayer?” This was followed up by three others question. These are also addressed in this article.

 Prayer is essentially communicating with God. The “How Tos” begin with an understanding of to whom we are praying. As Christians, we believe that there is only one God who is not bound by time. The word we use is eternal meaning, no beginning nor end. God created time, which has a beginning and an end. God has revealed himself to we humans in three significant ways. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Known as the God Head or Trinity.

When we pray, we do this knowing that God has promised to hear our prayer. Each time we do pray we do so respectfully with words that come from our heart and have meaning. The words we use will depend on the reason we are praying. Some I can think of, include:

Praise: When we think how wonderful God is and just want to tell God so. It’s a kind of thank you.

Confession: When we know we have done something that is wrong. We say we are sorry and ask for forgiveness.

Request: There is something we want to happen. Note: It is important to remember God knows what’s best for us and that God has three distinct answers when we ask: Yes, No, Wait. Sometimes we think God has not heard, particularly if what we asked for doesn’t happen. We were heard and in cases like these and we only realise God knew best for us with a Wait or No. Especially when we look back some time later.

Panic Prayer: Effectively a cry for help when an unexpected thing happens.

Thanksgiving: Often this is when we have asked God for something that is important to us and have received a “yes”. This response too is linked to both panic prayer and praise prayers.

Specific Answers to your questions:

How should you address God at the start of a prayer? This can vary. It depends on the kind of prayer we are making and also if the prayer is a one on one between you and God or it could be part of a group that has come together to pray. In a group setting, prayer often occurs as at the end of members of the when the group has had time together sharing things. Some examples: things that are happening in their lives, or the group has come together with a common topic to ask God to provide an answer to a need, or when individuals suggest things that are happening locally or in the world that need God’s intervention.

Does it always have to be formal? The short answer is no, but it must be with words that show respect for God. It is God to whom we are praying. Think of prayer as being a conversation between you and the one who is listening. This is the one who loves you deeply. The reason for our prayer will shape the words we use. Remember when we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord we have been adopted into God’s family.

Does God have any specific way we he would like us to address him? I believe the short answer is no. It will depend on the reason we are praying. In formal settings, like a church service, it is more formal. We should pray from our hearts. Remember Jesus said, “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” God is love.