Is the real force behind prayer the words ,or the feelings the words used have invoked?

It is the depth of commitment to the words; otherwise, you might as well be saying sports scores

I don’t think it’s the words themselves or the feelings.

Word only have as much power as we give them. And I come to God in prayer often with no feelings, or just feelings of tiredness or confusion, or anthing but inspiration. But I think you can have a true encounter with God w/o feeling “emotional intensity.” In fact, if you’re feeling something like that, it’s probably something else besides God’s grace. I’ve noticed that lots of people tend to confuse feelings/adrenilin with the Holy Spirit.

But when I use a word or words, they’re directed both outward and inward, because I believe God is in both.

When you talk to someone, do you direct it inward or outward? Okay, then it is “outward” to God. We don’t NEED to FEEL emotional intensity. We need facts, truth, not possibly misleading feelings. If you “feel” your car won’t start how does that affect the FACT of it starting? Same with prayer–sometimes we are moody and don’t FEEL much, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t listening! Still, I’ll answer your part about a word (or words): I start with “Jesus, creator-God”, so it helps me FOCUS on the fact that he’s in control and capable of answering!

The words you use in prayer really have no power; as someone said, it’s the One you pray to. The Bible tells us that even when we don’t know the words to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs to deep for words. So whatever your intention is that you’re praying for/about, the Spirit is the power that makes it heard.

When I’m really praying (and not just going through the motions like I admit I do most of the time), focusing on either God or the Holy Spirit helps me with the prayer.

Very good challenging question. I think many of us are swayed emotionally because when things get really rough, we forget all that we profess to believe in. We become so human again with all our weaknesses and sins. Music, songs and a dynamic worship session can really stir our emotions and lift us up to such great heights. The angel Lucifer was in charge of music in the kingdom of God. Then there is nothing like worship dancing or just responding to the music and we keep telling ourselves that the Holy Spirit is at work. Sometimes when you are in the crowd, you forget that you are just following the crowd. So sometimes it takes a situation to wake us up and ask ourselves just what do we actually believe in. But never forget that while we are unfaithful, God is forever faithful.

While the words that compose a prayer are important, and the fervent nature of a prayer can certainly make a difference, I think effective prayer is a matter of relationship with a living God. I know He hears me because I am his child, and His Spirit lives inside me. We are commanded to pray for one another. Here are a few references about prayer:

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the believers. Ephesians 6:18

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. I Thessalonians 1:2

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 1:6

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:13-16

Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil. I Peter 3:11-13

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. I John 5:14-15

Best wishes to you! Keep seeking…

Prayer and words have zero power. It is the One you’re praying to that has the power. Jesus is God, so He is the highest power in the universe. If He is the one you’re praying to, then there’s power. If not, then you’re blowing hot air for nothing.

The real ‘force’ as you say about prayer is that you know you actually talking to God. You believe by faith He is listening and will answer.

Prayer isn’t about the words or the feelings. It’s about communion with God.

The only real force behind prayer is all in your mind. Basically just a placebo effect.