Have you ever tried to pray and the words just would not come? Have you ever tried to pray, and your mind just wandered because you could not get that connection with the Lord? First of all, let’s make sure you know what it means to pray. According to the King James Bible Dictionary Online, “to pray means to ask with earnestness or zeal, as for a favor, or for something desirable; to entreat; to supplicate; to petition; to ask, as for a favor; (In worship), to address the Supreme Being with reverence, with adoration, confession of sins, supplication for mercy, and thanksgiving for blessings received.” I feel most Christians know the meaning of prayer. The issue is do they know how to pray.
Then what does the Word say about how to pray? “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, ‘They have their reward.’ But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, …” (Matthew 6:5-6 KJV). Many times these verses are misinterpreted. The whole point in them to the believer is not to pray for a show so that you can be seen and approved by men. Your prayer is a two-way conversation between you and God. He knows your needs before you even ask, but He wants you to make your desires known to Him.
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray using what became known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” By not knowing how to pray, you are missing out on the power of prayer. Prayer changes things. It reminds you who Jesus is. Further, prayer reminds you “Who” is in total control of your life.
If you need some more insight on how to pray, take a look at “Six-step Guide to Prayer” from YouVersion.com, which uses excerpts (along with different versions) from “The Lord’s Prayer”:
• “Refocus on God. ‘Our Father in heaven, holy is Your Name …’
• “Realign your will. ‘Your kingdom come …’
• “Release your concerns. ‘Give us today the food we need …’
• “Repent and respond. ‘And forgive us … as we forgive …’
• “Request God’s protection. ‘… deliver us from evil …’
• “Rejoice and reflect. ‘Celebrate what God has done in your life, and look for ways to worship Him throughout your day.’”
Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
