How to Pray 101
Prayers are simple conversations to God. Most people know how to perform this petition. For the ones who don’t know or want to improve on their talks with God, here are some scriptural based guidance. I do not want to come across that prayer is a process or checklist task to be completed, but I think we should be reminded who God is and to recognize His will and His Way.
Prayers should be honest and sincere. God already knows what’s in your heart so there is no need to avoid hide anything. Your voice doesn’t need to change to sound religious or impressive. And, insincere crying and weeping will not get God’s attention.
The Book of Matthew, chapter 6, verse 5-15 provides an outline on how to pray. It is referred to as The Lord’s Prayer. Some people recite The Lord’s Prayer because they don’t what to say to God. Others believe their obligation to prayer is complete after reciting The Lord’s Prayer.
In verse 9 it reads, After this manner…This indicates to mimic or similar in nature, to fashion your prayers like this style. Prayer should be modeled after the Lord’s Prayer containing the same components.
The Lord’s Prayer was not designed to be memorized and quoted back to God. Some religions instructs to recite The Lord’s Prayer a certain amount of times and sins will be forgiven. Food for thought, if you have someone very close to you, do you say the exact same thing to them every time you speak to them?
Make prayers simple and to the point. Prayers should not be long winded (using way too many words), repeating things over and over. Your prayers can be as long as needed, however make sure it’s without any hidden motives.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:7
The two most important elements in prayer are praise and thanksgiving. Praising God for Who He is; what He has done; and what He will do. Thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon you.
…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10
Forgiveness plays a key role. Pray for forgiveness of your sins and those who sinned against you. Yes, you must forgive others! You cannot have unforgiveness in your heart. It blocks spiritual growth.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12
Our adversary, the devil, will tempt us at any given moment. We must be alert. If we fall into the temptation, we must pray for God’s deliverance.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Matthew 6:13
Lastly, your prayer should end by giving praise to God, His power and glory. begin your prayer with praise to God and end the prayer with praise to God.
… For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13
That concludes How to Pray 101. One may ask, when can issues and requests be voiced? Anytime. It’s your conversation. The object of this section is to prevent your prayers from becoming one sided, making prayers all about you. Prayers should not be a laundry list of demands and desires. Learn to seek God’s face for who He is rather than seeking His hand for what he can give you.
Avenues of Aspirations
Reflection Road
- Do not memorize prayers and recite them over and over
- Praise God and His Holy Name
- Thank Him for His daily blessings
- Ask forgiveness and forgive others
- Pray for guidance against temptation
- Pray for deliverance from evil
- Praise God and His Holy Name.
- Now is a great time to talk to our Father about issues in your life.
Devil’s Drive
Don’t allow the devil to distract you from praying. Don’t listen to him if he says you’re praying incorrectly. Talk to God and ask Him to teach how to pray.
World’s Way
Prayer is banned from schools. I don’t need to say anymore.
Personal Pathway
I believe in praising God and His Holy name. My car was burglarized. A company owned laptop was stolen. I began praising God and His Holy name. I repeated it over and over again. I told God I forgave the person who stole my property. I thanked God that more was not stolen, i.e. my car. The police report was made. The officer informed me finding my property was slim to none. I went to work and faced my superiors. The very next day, the same officer knocked on my door informing me my laptop was found in a stolen car less than ½ block from my home. Praise God and His Holy Name!!!
Lord’s Lane
Sometimes, we do not know what to pray for. If you are overwhelmed or just at a loss on what to say. Be honest with God. Lord, Help Me! He will do the rest.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26King James Version (KJV