How Do We Pray?
How do we develop our prayer life? How often do we pray and for what do we pray? What words do we use? Is the prayer formal or informal? Do we stop to listen or do we do all the talking? How do we feel after we have spoken to the Almighty?
Do we see things change or do we change? Do we ask others to pray for us or do we pray for others? Do we feel comfortable praying in front of others? About what do you feel comfortable praying for or about? Are they specific things such as praying for good health, for forgiveness, or the outcome of sports events?
Hopefully, our prayers are not just about asking for things we want but rather, giving thanks for our blessings, for forgiveness, asking God for the strength to do what He wants us to do and doing the best we can in all that we do for our Lord and His church.
Prayer is not talking to the wind or manipulating God into doing something. The following is a short prayer outline to use at any time.
Adoration: Simply praising God for being God; imagine yourself in God’s presence and go from there.
Confession: Realizing that you are weak and frail, confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness with a pledge to do better.
Thanksgiving: Thanking God for the things, people and situations for which you are grateful.
Intercession: Lifting others and their needs to the life-giving presence of God; keep a prayer list and use it.
Petition: Lift in your needs to God; He wants to hear from you.
This is a simple pattern of prayer. When repeated daily, it becomes a natural part of your life. It may not be the only way to have a prayerful life, but it is a simple and powerful way to talk with God and grow spiritually. Then conclude your prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.
