Praying is a fundamental way to stay close to God and reach out to Him with your needs, desires, and thanks for all He has done and is doing in your life.

Many people pray in times of great need and when they want to acknowledge all God has provided for them. Still, others pray more frequently, such as every morning when they wake up or at night before going to bed. Praying at mealtimes is also very common.

But understanding what kinds of prayers are being said is important. You want to make sure you’re reaching out to God in ways that follow Scriptural guidance. For example, does God hear scripted prayers? What is a scripted prayer, and why do people use them?

By asking the right questions, you can get trusted, reliable answers to whether God is hearing your prayers and whether you should make adjustments to what you’re saying when you spend time talking to the Lord.

Here are some questions to consider, so you can pray in the most effective way and honor God with your words.

What Are Scripted Prayers?

Scripted prayers are those that are “pre-packaged.” They are written down and often memorized or recited by congregations and individuals. These prayers aren’t random or created at the time they’re prayed, so that leads some people to believe that they’re not from the heart.

Others feel differently about the issue, believing that all prayers can have value and that a scripted prayer is just as valuable as a non-scripted prayer. So, does God hear scripted prayers? Generally, most theologians seem to agree that God does, indeed, hear these prayers.

Why? Because God hears all prayers. He is all-knowing and all-seeing and can hear our innermost thoughts and recognize our feelings, goals, and desires. He knows what is in our hearts, and we connect with Him when we pray.

A scripted prayer that is prayed fervently and backed by belief is heard, just as a non-scripted prayer is heard under the same conditions. Prayer is prayer, in that sense, and the intent behind the prayer is what matters.

Should You Write Down Your Prayers?

Writing down prayers (in other words, making them scripted) can help you be clear on what you want to say or ask for and what you want to thank God for providing in your life. Some reasons for writing down prayers before praying include:

• Remembering everything you want to say
• Feeling confident in your prayer
• Praying with or leading a group
• Developing a “base” to pray from every time

Prayers don’t lose their value because they’re written down. If anything, it can help you develop prayers that are stronger and more complete.

The risk isn’t in writing a prayer down. The risk is in reciting something you’ve memorized without putting any meaning behind it. That’s the issue you want to avoid.

All too often, people memorize prayers and say them automatically at certain times, such as before a meal. When you do this and don’t really think about what you’re saying, you aren’t putting any intent behind your words. Those are the kinds of scripted prayers that can cause problems.

What About Praying Spontaneously?

Praying spontaneously is also very valuable. When you do this, you might forget something you want to say, but you can always pray again, as often as you want.

The Bible says to “pray without ceasing,” and there’s no reason to feel as though you’re talking to God too much. God wants to hear from His children.

A spontaneous prayer may come about in a difficult time. For example, if it looks like you’re about to be in a car accident, you may ask God for help from behind the wheel.

You might spontaneously pray for a friend who just lost a loved one or stop and say thank you to the Lord for a promotion, a good report from your doctor, or something as simple as a stranger paying for your coffee.

Do All Prayers Need Scriptural Basis?

Prayers should have a basis in Scripture. Make sure you’re focusing on what the Bible says when creating scripted prayers and that you understand your intent and desire behind the prayer.
Does God hear scripted prayers? Yes! Just be sure your prayers are those that are pleasing to God and that acknowledge His word and His value in your life.

Also read: 5 Powerful Prayers to Help Stop Negative Thoughts In Their Tracks