HOW DO I PRAY? A SIMPLE GUIDE TO BEGIN

Women are naturally chatty.

At least I certainly am!!

When it comes to the subject of prayer however, we can clam up before Almighty God and feel as though we have no words for Him. “How Do I Pray?” is a common question. Sometimes we just need a guide to begin.

For new believers, and even for those who have been in church a long time, we need tools to connect with God. Connect in prayer – communication.

I learned how to pray by being around other women who knew how to pray. I went to prayer meetings, and just listened with to how other ladies were praying. Naturally, I grew in my relationship with Jesus. After some time, I felt confident enough to pray aloud and join in with the others too.

These key foundational ways will equip you as a guide to begin your prayer journey. Use this as a tool to assist you in your conversations with the Lord.

REMEMBER, there is no right or wrong way to pray, just open your heart and trust that He is our Great Teacher Who longs to communicate with you.

As a mom, you will also be able to use these tools to teach your children how to pray…
Read more here.

PROCESS to PRAY

A common outline to pray is the acronym ACTS. This somewhat follows the Lord’s Prayer noted below:

Adoration – praising God for who He is and all He has done
Confession – Asking forgiveness and that the blood of Jesus would wash us clean
Thanksgiving – Thanking God for this gift of salvation and forgiveness
Supplication – Prayers for your needs and the needs of others

As you go through these steps be sure to pause in between. Remember, we don’t do all of the talking when it comes to relationships with people, and the same applies to talking to Jesus.

Take a minute or two to listen and just “be” in the presence of God. Allow the Holy Spirit to impress thoughts on your heart and mind.

PASSAGES on PRAYER

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matt. 6:9-13

These are some verses that teach us how to pray – daily, with confidence, without ceasing, etc. Use them to remind yourself of what an amazing thing our God did for us to let us just talk with Him any time at all!

God’s Word is powerful! Reminding us that Jesus hears us when we pray is only one element. We should also PRAY God’s Word.

One of the best books I have on prayer is Praying God’s Word is by Beth Moore. This book is simple and practical as you internalize the promises and apply them in pray.

PENNING Your PRAYERS

Journaling is a great way to help you learn to pray.

Simply take pen to paper and write down your heart for yourself, loved ones, and situations. When you talk with someone who has a need you can note it down and use this journal as a tool for prayer.

Write scripture verses that speak to you and that you can “pray” over your needs.

WHAT TO PRAY

You and your relationship with Jesus:

To be more like Christ and trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6)
That God would provide you with wisdom to grow (James 1:5)
To be sensitive to His leading (Psalm 23)
To forgive and love others the way that Jesus does. (1 Corinthians 13)

Loved ones:

Immediate Family – spouse, children, parents, close friends
Pastors and Church; Friends and extended family;
Your Country and Leaders

Situations for yourself and others:

Healing
Financial needs
Relationships mended
Spiritual Warfare

This is only a place to start in the natural, it is when the spiritual begins to take over our prayer life goes deeper. It is a process of growth. Being in a non-judgmental environment is so great. You want to be able to sit and soak in the presence of God while listening and learning from Him.

Find a weekly prayer meeting. Join it. Commit to it and to growth. God will meet you and use you as you step out in faith. As you talk to God and feel more confident in prayer, others will be asking you “How do I pray?”