Articles
How to Pray
Jesus’ disciples once asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Here is some of what the Bible says about how to pray. We should pray . . .
“Heartfully.” “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation” (Romans 10:1). Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God (1 Samuel 1:15). It is communication, not recitation. Philippians 4:6 teaches us to pray about whatever is on our hearts, yet we must do so . . .
Thoughtfully. “Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Stopping to think about what we will pray about puts things in perspective.
Boldly. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV). Thoughtful people naturally shrink at the idea of approaching almighty God (e.g., Isaiah 6:5; Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 10:7-10). But Jesus has opened the way (Hebrews 10:19-20), and God’s throne is one of grace, not merely one of judgment. However, our approach must also be made . . .
Reverently. “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). Boldness must never deteriorate into casualness or flippancy.
Confidently. “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not expect that he will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7). We are praying to an omnipotent God! Yet we must also remember that He is all-wise, and therefore ask . . .
Humbly. “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). We do not always know what is best. We must trust God’s wisdom as much as His power, and humbly accept His answer.
Inclusively. “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men” (1 Timothy 2:1). Being interested in others’ good makes us like God (vv. 3-4). Prayer must never reflect selfishness.
Specifically. Giving God “all praise,” thanking Him for “all blessings,” and praying on behalf of “all men” can get too generic. There is a time for specifics—naming names, itemizing blessings, etc. Jesus prayed for Peter in particular (Luke 22:31-32). Paul prayed about personal challenges he faced (2 Corinthians 12:7-8) and opportunities he sought (Romans 1:9-10). He asked others to pray about his specific needs (Philemon 22).
Regularly. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is not just for special occasions. It is certainly not to be restricted to Sunday worship assemblies! It includes daily praise, thanksgivings, and requests: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). In view of the fact that routine activities can become mechanical, however, we must also remember to pray . . .
Fervently. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16b, NKJV). Naturally, we will be more or less intense, depending on the circumstances. This is just a cautionary note to remind us to put our hearts into it, which takes us back to the beginning.
Prayer is a wonderful privilege and blessing for those in Christ. Are you in Him, and are you making the best use of this supreme opportunity?
