The Bible and prayer
How do I pray?
Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t need special words, a special place or a special posture. You can speak to him honestly, out loud or in your head, wherever you are.
Why Christians can pray
Christians pray with confidence because of Jesus. He has opened the way to God, so they come as children to a Father and not as strangers hoping to be noticed.
Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
The prayer Jesus taught
When his disciples asked how to pray, Jesus gave them what is now called the Lord’s Prayer. Christians use it both as a prayer to say and as a pattern to follow.
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
A simple pattern
- Thank you: thank God for who he is and for specific good things.
- Sorry: admit where you have gone wrong and ask for forgiveness.
- Please: ask for what other people need, and for what you need.
Getting into the habit
Short and regular is better than long and rare. Many people find it helps to pray at the same time each day, such as first thing in the morning, somewhere they will not be interrupted.
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
You can also pray in the moment: on the bus, before a difficult conversation, when you hear an ambulance. Paul’s advice was to make it constant.
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
Common worries
- Do I have to kneel or close my eyes? No. People do these things to help them concentrate, but you can pray walking, driving or lying awake at night.
- What does “in Jesus’ name” mean? It means you are coming to God on the strength of what Jesus has done, and not on your own merits.
- What if I don’t know what to say? Use the Lord’s Prayer or a psalm, or simply tell God that you don’t know what to say. He understands.
- What if I feel nothing? Prayer is not measured by feelings. God hears you whether or not you sense it.
In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.
Does God answer?
Christians believe God hears every prayer and answers as a wise and loving Father. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is no, and sometimes it is wait. He does not always give us what we ask for, but he never ignores us.
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.