Pray to pray

[steve]

The Tzaddikim say we should pray to pray, but how does a non Jewish person know when their prayer is true prayer ?
The Jewish people have so many wonderfull prayers and serve "G-d" so well.
Is personal prayer enough for a non Jewish person?

Steve

[Kira]

That is such a good question, Steve.

On the one hand, the answer should be "Sure!". After all, the righteous B'nei Noach in the Tanach prayed individual, personal prayers.

On the other hand, our Sages instituted set prayers because people cannot be expected to compose prayers on the level of the righteous people in the Tanach. If this is true for us Jews, who have a tradition of prayer, how much more true would it be for Bnei Noach, who are striking out on their own?

So I don't know what to tell you.

Two ideas: 1) you can use many of our prayers 2) You can use the basic structure of our prayers - "praise, request, gratitude"

And of course: "G-d desires the heart" - whatever you say to him, if it comes from a true desire to connect, He will hear and accept it.

May your words be pleasing to Him,

-Kira

[Hart60]

Hi steve,
You might find this book helpful.
"Prayers, Blessings, Principles of Faith, and Divine Service for Noahides"
by Rabbi Moshe Weiner and Rabbi J. Immanuel Schochet
http://www.judaism.com/display.asp?etn=CDGDA

[Kira]

Looks good, that should help a lot

-Kira

[Hart60]

Yea and it's reasonably priced.
Dan.

[steve]

Thanks kira, your good advice is always appreciated.

Hart, thank you, thanks for the advice, I'll have a look at the book you suggested.

Thanks again to both of you and everyone, it's good to know good spiritual people.

Thanks Steve

[Hart60]

Hart, thank you, thanks for the advice, I'll have a look at the book you suggested.Thanks Steve

You're very welcome,hope the book helps.
Dan.

[steve]

Should personal prayer be silent ?

[rivka]

That depends. If there are others around you who would be disturbed, I vote for yes. If you are alone, I'm all for whatever feels more comfortable.

[steve]

I used to pray a lot, I feel I was tested and failed completely after the death of my mother. I've hardly prayed at all in the last 3 years.
This may sound illogical but I fear Hashem will get angry with me if I try to pray.
Is this illogical ?

Steve