Prayer
Anyone can pray to God.
When you are repentant, humble, and realize that only God can help you, you have direct access to him. He will hear your prayers and consider your requests. And he will hear your thanks for the lessons and blessings in your life. If you come to God as a panhandler looking for a favor, probably not.
It is interesting to me that “prayer” is not introduced or defined in the Bible. It’s just there as something people do. Like breathing.
“Pray”, in its various biblical uses, means to beseech, petition, make a request, intercede, make supplication, worship, call near, and talk with. (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries)
God expects our prayers. He wants us to communicate with him.
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 WEBU)
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 WEB )
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)
“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
A requirement for God to hear your prayer is that you are earnestly looking for him.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12 WEB)
If we pray for things that reflect God’s nature and align with his plans, he may grant them. The rub is that the answer often doesn’t come right away. It may be no, yes, or later.
Cautions
Prayer requests are not tests. God doesn’t take tests. The Bible tells us not to test God.
God is not a genie who grants wishes. He is not Amazon.com, where you can order whatever you want.
You may need to ask more than once. Sometimes it takes years of prayer. Keep asking. Remember, the answer may be “later.”
“He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up,” (Luke 18:1 WEBU) (This is the parable of the persistent widow.)
“Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.” (James 5:16 WEBU)
You probably will not get a “feeling” or hear a voice in response, though you might. All you can know for sure is that God knows what you said or asked and considers it.
You’ll know soon enough if your prayer is answered, but don’t lose heart if it isn’t. Again, the answer may be “later.” Even if the answer is “no,” you know God’s plan is perfect and for the best.
How to pray.
Quiet your mind and focus on God’s majesty and benevolence.
Show respect. Many close their eyes. Some stand, some bow their heads, and some get on their knees. When things are really bad, some get on their faces.
Talk to God in plain language. You do not need religious vocabulary, code words, or flowery language.
Simply talk to God and tell Him what is in your heart.
You don’t need to use euphemisms or beat around the bush. You just need to say it straight.
Say what is on your mind. God already knows, but saying it or asking for it helps you clarify and focus your thinking.
The Lord’s Prayer
This is how Jesus taught us to pray. He didn’t say this is what to pray, but rather this is how.
Acknowledge that God is supreme and holy.
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV)
Accept God’s will for the world and yourself.
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV)
Make your request or express your thanks.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV)
Ask for help in following his commands.
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV)
Ask for guidance. Reacknowledge God’s sovereignty.
“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)
Dear God,
You know me and everything about me. You know every thought I’ve ever had and everything I’ve ever said or done.
I know I cannot hide anything from you. As I pray, please help me not to hide anything from myself.
God, I believe you know what is best for me, and I believe you are working to make me into what you intend me to be.
Please help me as I build my trust and confidence in you and your teaching.
Please help me quiet my mind so I can hear and understand what you are guiding me to do.
Please show me when I am deceiving myself or making excuses.
Dear God, please help me grow closer to you each day and feel your power, your light, and your majesty.
Starting now, I will pray throughout my day. Some may be very short, just a few words, and some longer.
Please teach me to depend on you and give me the strength and courage to do what I know you want me to do.
Thank you for being with me always, and that I am never alone.
Amen