You may be doubting that God hears you, that he wants to communicate with you. You may even doubt his existence. However, you can’t doubt something drew you here. This desire you feel to draw closer to God is from God. This post is designed to explore the importance of prayer, what prayer can look like, and a basic framework for those just beginning your faith walk. Whether you’re a new Christian or a long time believer who just hasn’t figured out prayer yet, the best way to learn is to just get started.
WHAT EVEN IS PRAYER?
Prayer is simply a conversation with our creator. According to St. John Damascene, an eighth-century Syrian monk and priest: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” Prayer is inviting a personal relationship with God. It is a conscious conversation with our creator.
WHY PRAY?
We pray because we want to be in relationship with God. We have a father in heaven who wants to hear from his children.
“Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26)
It reminds us of our need for our creator. It takes our dependence off of ourselves and places it on the Lord. It transforms us and deepens our trust. It’s a way to unburden ourselves of the stress, anxiety, or anger.
Lastly,the world is shaped by prayer. When we make God’s business our priority, our business becomes his priority. Billy Graham once said: “To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” You have no idea what your prayers are connected to and what they release in the spirit realm.
PRAYER AS A WAY TO BUILD INTIMACY WITH GOD
Like friendships, intimacy grows the more time you spend in his presence. It’s important you allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest. God knows your heart. If you are thinking too much about what you think you should say, than your relationship will grow cold,distant and formal. Keep it simple. Let it flow from your heart and bring to him whatever is on your mind. When your heart is willing and open, God will begin to transform your heart and mind in supernatural ways. Remember, You are welcomed. You are invited. You are heard.
As you meet with God, keep in mind that conversation requires both talking AND listening. I will be the first to admit my prayer life lacked the listening part. God wants to do life WITH you. It’s important to allow space for him to speak. This doesn’t mean he’s going to speak audibly with a voice, but he could speak through images that pop up in your mind, dreams, through his word, or through other people. He’s always speaking, the key is to allow room in your heart to seek and hear.
PRAYER FRAMEWORK (PRAY)
The following is a basic Framework for those starting in their journey. There are MANY ways to pray. As I stated above, prayer is simply a conversation that is raw and honest with our creator. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in Mathew 6:9-13. The following is a basic framework, from the Lord’s Prayer, using the acronym PRAY.
1. Praise God
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”
Its important to begin by placing yourself in Gods presence in a conscious way. Surrender. Place yourself in Gods hands and surrender your will to his will.
Start with thanksgiving and praise. Appreciate who God is and what he has done.
2. Repent
“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Review your day. Look at areas of your life you fell short and were selfish/sinful. Repent and ask for forgiveness. Ask God for his help. Surrender your shortcomings and pray for strength and direction to overcome and align your will to his. Ask God to help you forgive others as well.
3.Ask
“Give us this day our daily bread and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Ask God to supply any physical needs, wisdom, guidance, and deliverance. Pray for strength in spiritual warfare. Ask God to meet the needs of others as well. Pray for those who haven’t met the Lord yet. Pray for those who are suffering from all over the world.
4.Yield
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.”
Surrender to Gods plan and will. Yield to him in every way. Leave space to listen and be still. Respond in Faith to Gods direction. God longs to have a relationship with you and for you to know him on an intimate level. Keep your heart and mind open. You have a Father who wants to bless you in ways you can’t imagine. Don’t waste any more time!