How to Pray

We have the privilege to fellowship with our Lord and even participate in the work of God here on earth simply with our prayers. It is an intimate time to interact with the One who loved us first, who desires to hear from us and spend this time with us through our time praying.

So just how do we pray? We have the perfect example in Christ Jesus and His own instruction in how to pray. Turn with me to Matthew 6:5-13 so we may gleam from our Lord’s instructions.

“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, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:5-6 KJV)

We learn from these verses our pray time should be a private time not one to display for all to see and hear. This is a time of one-on-one conversation, if you will “Face Timing” (face to face) with our Father.

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8 KJV)

In our prayers we need simply to pour out our hearts to Him, speaking idle words is truly a waste. He knows your need but simply desire for His child to come in sincerity with confidence knowing your Father will move every mountain to fulfill your need.

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV)

We should begin our prayer addressing to our Father, keeping in mind always we are speaking to the creator of all we see and cannot see but to use He is the loving, caring, protective, providing Father who will supply all my needs according to His (endless) riches in glory by Christ (Phil 4:19). We must have this mindset when we come to Him. I belong to Him and He loves me unconditionally. A concept the enemy wants you to forget.

Next, we have a statement of praise: Hallowed be thy name. Give Him honor and glorify His name for He is Holy, there is none like Him. Give Him thanks for all He has done for you through Christ Jesus and all He is doing for you now because of His Holiness and not of your own.

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 KJV

This is your opportunity to pray for God to move in the earth, the countries and in governments. For His good will to be done here in the earth. Your pray is the avenue in which God’s power works on earth, it released His Kingdom.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 KJV

Now is your opportunity to submit your needs to Him whatever they may be. Also a time to ask for more of Jesus who is the “bread of life” (John 6:32).

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12 KJV)

We have the opportunity at this point to ask God for forgiveness of any our sin, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal such to us. We also should allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts for any seed or any root of unforgiveness which may be there so it can be uprooted along with all that comes with it, anger, pain, and bitterness. We know according to Matthew 6:14-15 this is necessary for our Father to forgive us.

“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13 KJV)

Ask for your eyes to be open to see the enemy, his snares/traps/temptations. The Holy Spirit will guild you in all Truth (John 16:13). We have the promise He is for us and with us. Psalms 138:7 states in the mist of trouble he will revive us, His hand will be against our enemies, and His right hand shall save us.

It does not mean we will not have trouble, but God is always for us and we are more than conquers through Christ Jesus.

We should end our pray acknowledging all this will be done according to His will, His timing, His Word and to His glory and we agree (Amen).