How Do I Pray?
If you’re not sure how to pray, you’re not alone. Even one of His disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Jesus responded with what has become known as the Lord’s Prayer (see Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4;). However, Jesus intended this as a pattern for prayer, not something to be repeated verbatim. God knows you, and He wants to hear from you. Here are the basic elements to include in your prayers:
Address God by name
Begin your prayer by addressing Him by name: God, Heavenly Father, my Father in Heaven, etc. Jesus often addressed God by His family name “abba” (daddy). I think God wants us to see Him in the same light. He is a loving Father indeed. Always remember, God wants to be in relationship with you. Prayer is the best way to begin and grow that relationship.
Express gratitude
Have you counted your blessings lately? Thank God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,” the Bible reminds us (James 1:17). God created the world for your benefit. He answers your prayers. He is active in your life. Take notice. And tell Him “thank you.”
Pray biblically
The Bible is THE Word of God. It is God speaking to us who He is, His promises, and His love and guidance for our lives. Pray His Word back to Him. The Psalms were the prayerbook/songbook of God so they can be especially helpful to us when we pray. Prayer is responding to God and continuing the conversation that He began. Remember, God desires a relationship with you and died for you on the Cross (in the Person Jesus).
Share your feelings
Maybe you need help with a decision or you want to understand something better. Or maybe you’re looking for comfort and peace from His Holy Spirit. Maybe your prayers are for someone who is sick, in trouble, or in need of God’s blessings. Perhaps you need God’s forgiveness, or you simply need Him to help you recognize His answer. You can pray for anything and everything.
Yes, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). But He wants to hear it from you. You must “ask, and it will be given you” (Matthew 7:7).
Close in the name of Jesus Christ
Finishing a prayer “in the name of Jesus Christ” is a reminder that we are able to come to God through His Son, Jesus Christ (see John 14:6). It is also tradition to say “Amen” at the end of a prayer. When you say it in answer to another person’s prayer, it means “That is my prayer too.”
When to pray
Pray on your own and with others
You should speak with God individually and regularly. But pray with others too—during worship services, before a meal, and in family prayer. One person usually offers the prayer on behalf of the group while others listen respectfully, think of the words being said, and show their agreement by saying “Amen” at the end of the prayer.
Pray throughout the day
In Psalm 55:17, King David said he would pray in the “evening, and morning, and at noon.” Typical times for personal prayer are as you start your day in the morning, before each meal, and as you retire for the day. But there is never a wrong time to pray. God is always listening, so we can “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Pray for special circumstances
There are times that call for extra prayer—like a prayer for healing, for protection, or for urgent needs. Fasting (purposefully going without food or drink for a period of time) combined with prayer helps show God your sincerity and provides spiritual strength.
How to act when praying
God knows who you are. So when you pray, be yourself. Be sincere. Be respectful. But most importantly, remember that prayer is a conversation.
Sitting or standing?
Traditionally, individual prayer means kneeling with arms folded and eyes closed. But people throughout the scriptures prayed when standing (see 1 Kings 8:22), when sitting down, or when kneeling (see Luke 22:41). People pray when prostrate, with hands raised, with eyes closed, and with eyes lifted up. God is concerned less with how you pray than that you are praying in the first place.
How long should I pray?
Jesus “continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12) when selecting His disciples. But the length of your prayer is less important than always having a prayer in your heart. Again, remember, prayer is about relationship first and foremost. The more we communicate with God the closer we are to Him. We have found that regular prayer keeps us closer to His presence. There is always peace and strength is the presence of God.
How do I listen for an answer?
God hears and answers every prayer. He is listening. You should listen too. Take time after your prayer to ponder the conversation. Sometimes when you are feeling especially close to God, you may feel a sense of inner warmth or peace. This is the Holy Spirit. It is one of the ways you can experience answers to your prayers. Remember, listening to God is an important part of prayer.
Be aware of feelings you have, especially of peace. Scriptures may come to your mind because they hold greater personal meaning and answers.
Be willing to accept or act on the answer God chooses to give.
Prayer is more than a formality. It is a promise to you from God that you will “find [Him], when ye shall search for [Him] with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Whatever your reason, whatever the time and place, turn your heart to God in prayer. He will hear you.
