The majority of my Christian life has been spent in a Non-Denominational Church. Non-Denominational churches tend to pride themselves on not being enslaved to tradition and being free from the shackles of dry and dull liturgy. As a Non-Denominational Christian I understand and agree with the premise of the arguments against stale and predictable prayer and worship, I do not agree, however, that there is nothing to be gained or experienced by reading or participating in liturgy or liturgical services especially when it is from the heart. Anything can be can become predictable and dry if it is not done or offered from a sincere heart.
With that in mind, I have found reading and praying the prayers of others to be significant in my own spiritual growth and intimacy with God. I was not raised going to church much, so the majority of hymns in modern hymnals I have never sung (although there seems to be a great revival amongst contemporary Christian music in bringing back the old hymns put to modern music & melodies). Several years ago a pastor in Scotland gave me a hymnal from the Church of Scotland. It has been a treasure to me in my private devotional life. I find myself reading them as prayers to God and He always strengthens my faith through them.
When we read the Psalms we are simply reading the written prayers and songs of people who followed God thousands of years ago.
I have found that writing out my prayers to God and then reading them aloud to be a great way to pray. If you struggle with prayer, not knowing how to pray or what to pray, try writing out a prayer to God, get on your knees and read it out loud to God. God will use it stir up other things and lead you further into His presence.
The following is a prayer you can recite first thing in the morning as you offer your day to God
"Almighty and everlasting God, Creator & Sustainer of the universe, I worship you.
Lord Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord of the world, I worship you.
Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the people of God, I worship you.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more.
Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day your fruit may ripen in my life-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Holy blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons and one God, have mercy upon me. Amen."
