How should we pray?

I read an article the other day by a worship leader talking about how they will often prod people into worshiping, like cheering them on.  He said he's done it but has realized it's wrong.  Said people should come to worship without prodding.  My pastor and worship leader have done it.  I agreed with the guy that it's wrong but for a whole different reason.

Pastor will do the typical...."Can I get an amen?...Well that's 3 of ya agree.  What about the rest of you?  Can I get an amen?!!"  At which point half the congregation shouts amen.  And you can hear the prayers all over the place with all the "in the name of Jesus!" and "Holy holy holy!" and "Father God".  And if you're not heard, it's like people don't think you're praying.  Pastor has said "Comon'!  Ya'll shouted louder than that at the Marshall football game this weekend!"

Errr, not me.  I don't like games, don't go to them and never shouted at them.  School pep rally's?  Boring.  Never liked shouting and hollering crowds.  Usually I get a headache from them.  And I often prayed for God to make me bolder in my prayer, help me to pray like that.  I've practice in private and praying with my son, but it's not me.  It's very uncomfortable and therefore, being uncomfortable, I lose that close connection with God. 

I have my time with God in my thoughts, in my mind and heart.  I shut myself off where it's just He and I.  And I will often get a better glimpse of exactly what He's done for me that I will either have my head bowed or thrown back looking towards the sky (or church ceiling) with tears streaming down my face.  Everyone else can be screaming amen to the top of their lungs.  If that's what they fancy then good for them.  But there is one piece of scripture that dawned on me...I shouldn't EVER feel bad because I prefer my quiet prayers between me and God and I don't go in for loud praying....

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

He has rewarded me too.  But the greatest reward is spending private time with Him. 

I have wondered about verse 5:  “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.....

But then I'm reminded of James 5:14  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord

There are times when praying aloud is for the benefit of the person we're praying for/with.  I've done that, but it's a different prayer than the ones I pray when just spending time worshiping God.  But when we're not praying with or for someone and just shouting out in the congregation, can someone explain why they or others might do this?  I don't think we're going to shout down the devil.  He's not afraid of a little yelling.  He's probably going to be around it for eternity in hell.  So what is the reason for any of you who do this. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you're doing anything wrong.  But I guess I got tired of others trying to prove to me that I was doing something wrong.  I've read so many devotions and other online blogs where people claim the Bible TELLS us to shout and dance, praise Him with loud music, He will cause the rocks to cry out, praise Him with a shout, etc.  They even spoke of marching around Jericho and shouting to bring down the walls.  But what about when Daniel went home to his upstairs room?  He didn't pray on the street.  And especially when we're told God will openly reward us for our prayers done in private/secret. 

All I know is that 10 to 1, I feel closer to God when I'm with Him, just He and I and I'm not trying to form words.  I "think" words faster than I can form them.  What comes out is often tongue twisted.  And maybe that's why I like to pray quietly to God. 

I don't know, but sometimes it seems like I just keep hearing the same words over and over by some of those who pray in the congregation...like it's memorized.  A sweet elderly couple I've known for years sit across from me.  I've often heard Joe praying there at the pew and up front at the altar.  And many times, his prayer is:  Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus.  And frankly, isn't that all we need?

Simple.  And he's not concerned if anyone thinks he needs to use a lot of words to express himself to God.  Since God knows what he's thinking.