Pray

One of the most searched words online has been the word “pray”. Many people must be searching for the very essential way of communicating with God.  Where there is no communication, there is no relationship.

In the Bible, the gospels recorded that Jesus prayed frequently and earnestly.  The list can be found here.  He prayed when he was baptized; in a solitary place; before calling his disciples; before Peter’s confession of Christ; at the transfiguration; on the Mount of Olives; in Gethsemane. He prayed so earnestly that his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. On the cross, in great pain and suffering, our Lord Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

Jesus’ teaching on praying give us amazing insights:   Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.   Luke 11:2-4 

• Father: the addressing, note the closeness of the relationship
• Hallowed be your name: in humble reverence and attitude of worship
• Your kingdom come: for God’s ultimate will to be done
• Give us each our daily bread: in recognition that God is our provider, and ask for our provision
• Forgive us our sins: to confess our sins, so that we can know and learn to overcome, and also to forgive others.
• And lead us not into temptation: is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil

In prayer, God is far more interested in us communing with Him and speaking from our hearts than He is in the specific words we use.

In Jesus’ Name, we pray.   And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.   John 14:13-14

How should our attitude towards prayer be?   Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.   1 John 5:14-15

Just pour out your heart to God. Be honest, confident and open, He already knows anyway. He is looking at your heart. Present your requests to God, but keep in mind that God knows what is best, and will not grant a request that is not His will for you, because He cares.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   Jeremiah 29:11

Express your love, gratitude, and worship to God in prayer – but do not worry about having just the right words to say. God is more interested with the content of your heart than the quality of your words, or even your posture. See how children come into the warm embrace of their loving parents.

Start with ” Daddy God, thank You for loving me. I need to talk to You…”

Have a fantastic time praying!