I recently saw a sign that said, “When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel.”
I like that, don’t you?
Prayer should be our first instinct, not our last resort, because prayer changes things.
You know, as important as prayer is in a believer’s life, you’d think it would be instinctive, but that’s not always the case. When I minister to people around the altar, I often have Christians tell me that they don’t know how to pray. So, I thought I’d share four “prayer pointers” that will help in case you also struggle in this area.
1) Pray anywhere, anytime, in your own words.
Just know that you don’t have to be in “your prayer closet” or in church or kneeling at the altar for God to hear your prayers. You can be driving down the road (eyes open, of course), sitting in a seminar or jogging on the treadmill and still converse with God.
First Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to pray without ceasing. In other words, pray all the time. Stay plugged into God! After all, He is our power source. And, you don’t need fancy words. Just talk to God like you would a friend.
2) Don’t do all the talking.
The Word tells us that His sheep will know His Voice, so when God speaks to you, you’ll know it’s Him because He’s Your shepherd. and you’re His sheep. You probably won’t hear a big, booming Charlton Heston voice; rather, it will be that still, small voice on the inside of you. Not sure if it’s Him or not? Well, He will never speak anything contrary to His Word, so that is a good criterion to use. I find it’s helpful to have a prayer journal nearby so I can jot down anything I “hear” Him speaking to me.
3) Pray the Word.
When you pray the Word of God, you’ll always be praying in accordance with God’s will. Let’s say that you have a financial need, here’s an example of how to pray the Word for that situation: “Thank You, God, that you are my Jehovah Jireh, my provider. You say in Philippians 4:19, Lord, that You will supply all of my needs, so Father I thank You for supernaturally providing for me and my family. In Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.”
There are several books that will help you find specific verses/promises to pray over your life, no matter the situation. The two I like best are Scripture Keys for Kingdom Living compiled by June Newman Davis, and Fingertip Scriptures compiled by Merry Graham and Rachel Bye.
4) Praise Him.
Always begin your prayers by giving God praise. Don’t be like Jimmy who prays, “Hi God, it’s me, Jimmy. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme.” Now, I’m not saying it’s bad to bring your requests to the Lord. In fact, it’s scriptural. James 4:2 says: “that we have not, because we ask not.” And, John 16:23 says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name He will give it to you.” But don’t let requests dominate your prayer life. Instead, let praise flow, thanking God for Who He is and all that He has done and is going to do.
Why not make prayer a priority in your life today? God can’t wait to hear from you…
