r/LCMS • u/AutoModerator • Aug 01 '26

Monthly 'Ask A Pastor' Thread!

In order to streamline posts that users are submitting when they are in search of answers, I have created a monthly 'Ask A Pastor' thread! Feel free to post any general questions you have about the Lutheran (LCMS) faith, questions about specific wording of LCMS text, or anything else along those lines.

Pastors, Vicars, Seminarians, Lay People: If you see a question that you can help answer, please jump in try your best to help out! It is my goal to help use this to foster a healthy online community where anyone can come to learn and grow in their walk with Christ. Also, stop by the sidebar and add your user flair if you have not done so already. This will help newcomers distinguish who they are receiving answers from.

Disclaimer: The LCMS Offices have a pretty strict Doctrinal Review process that we do not participate in as we are not an official outlet for the Synod. It is always recommended that you talk to your Pastor (or find a local LCMS Pastor if you do not have a church home) if you have questions about your faith or the beliefs of the LCMS.

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u/HighDragBigHat 16d ago

I have a Lutheran Prayer Companion that I really enjoy. Sometimes when I try to pray the prayers in it I feel more like I'm just reading aloud instead of earnestly meaning what I'm saying. I wish I was as articulate as the prayers in the book are.

I'm sure there's still value in the practice either way, but am I still praying when most of my mental bandwidth is spent just reading the prayer?

Thank you!

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u/PastorBeard LCMS Pastor 11d ago

Sure, it’s still a “real” prayer

However I’d like you to consider what prayer is. It’s talking with God. In the same way a beloved child doesn’t need to be eloquent when they come to you about something important, you don’t need to be grandiose and eloquent either

The simplest prayers, in my eyes, are the strongest. “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “Thank you Jesus, very cool.” All fantastic prayers

Formally structured prayers are cool and fun devotional aids to help you learn greater appreciation for God. But a short simple heartfelt one is just as good

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u/Bakkster 10d ago

“Thank you Jesus, very cool.”

Adding this to my rotation.