How To Pray
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV
How Do We Pray?
The key to a successful prayer life is commitment, consistency, and prioritization.
Prayer should be an integral part of our everyday lives, a tool we turn to automatically in both times of need and times of celebration. Prayer does not have to be difficult or complicated. It should come as naturally as thinking or speaking to a loved one.
There are as many different ways to pray as there are people, but here are a few ideas that can help you incorporate prayer into your life.
- Conversation
Prayer is just a way to talk to God and hear what He has to say. It does not require elaborate poetry or fancy words. Just talk to God as you would talk to a friend or family member. Say what comes naturally and tell Him what is on your heart. - Silence
It can be unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first, but practicing silence has tremendous rewards. It can create an atmosphere of serenity and clarity which allows us to hear God's word more clearly. Listen. - Prewritten Prayers
Throughout history, certain prayers have been written and passed down. Many of these prayers are well known even to kids and can be comforting resources. Use them to expand your prayer vocabulary in addition to praying in your own voice. We have provided a collection of Popular Prayers for you to begin to build your own prayer library.
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.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
Because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
To them who are the called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:26-28, KJV)
At first, praying may seem strange. You may be uncomfortable or self-conscious. You may have to set aside time to pray or remind yourself to do it. Your prayers will most likely focus on your own wants or needs. Over time this focus will change direction.
As you experience prayer regularly, your prayer life will develop and grow. Reaching out to God will become second nature to you. You will find yourself filled with the Holy Spirit. Your concerns will shift to others and their circumstances. You will pray not just for yourself, but for them as well.
(Visit our Prayer Wall to pray for your brothers and sisters.)
Eventually, you will gain even greater love and respect for God, not simply as the Father, but as the awe-inspiring King of Kings. Your prayer life will mature into being in agreement with God - to praying for His will rather than your own. As we strive for this goal together, our power will multiply and the kingdom of God will be advanced throughout the world.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you,
Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly,
According as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
(Romans 12:1-3, KJV)