We probably shouldn’t use prayer manuals with pre-written jargon that we can mindlessly recite. Not even the Lord’s prayer should be considered a magical formula that works even though we pronounce it while the mind wanders elsewhere.
If anything, the Lord’s prayer — or other prayers that we may admire for their theology, their poetry and their balance — should be an inspiration or a teaching. It should not be considered a mathematical formula that if re-employed with exactitude will wrest from Heaven miracles. What matters is your sincerity. And maybe focus.
I don’t think I’ve ever prayed a “perfect” prayer. And I have prayed many prayers. My ever-tenacious sin always bleeds in.
God is merciful. He has answered more prayers than I deserve. He has seen through my vile carnality to some glimmer of anguish, some desperate plea for Him to do what I cannot do, and He has responded.
Don’t look for perfect prayers. Try to have a perfect heart.
Mustard Seed Budget 
Amen. Hallelujah God bless you friend.
Peace be with you.
Absolutely true. I love this. It speaks of wisdom and truth.
But the Spirit will always help us pray perfect prayers when we don’t know what to pray. Great blog!
Prayer continues to be a mystery, but a glorious one. Your comments about rote prayers are certainly valid.
Beautiful! Strive for perfect hearts, not perfect prayers. Thank you.
Reblogged this on pastorglen52 and commented:
Good sound teaching on prayer.
Great! I’ve learned – after many years – how to pray the Lord’s Prayer. At least for me. I keep a typed list of all the people I pray for daily. I mention each one to God mentally, thinking my petitions for them, sometimes with a feeling or a concept more than with words. Then I s l o w l y pray the Lord’s Prayer, eyes open, looking at my list, doing my best to mentally lift them up at each petition. I feel like that’s what is sometimes meant to pray that prayer with others in kind.