How to Pray
By Matthew ShilohPublished Updated
Prayer is simply communicating with God. Yet, the disciples themselves asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray." It is a discipline that requires practice, humility, and a deep reliance on the grace of God.
The Model Prayer
In Matthew 6, Jesus provides a framework often called the Lord's Prayer. It is not merely a script to be recited, but a structure for our own prayers. It teaches us to begin with reverence ("Hallowed be your name"), align our desires with His ("Your kingdom come"), ask for our daily provision ("Our daily bread"), seek forgiveness while extending it to others ("Forgive us our debts"), and ask for spiritual protection ("Deliver us from the evil one").
Honesty Before God
The Psalms are a masterclass in honest prayer. They contain expressions of deep sorrow, intense frustration, and exuberant joy. God desires authenticity. You do not need to clean up your emotions before bringing them to the throne of grace. If you are angry, tell Him. If you are exhausted, admit it. He already knows your heart; prayer is the act of bringing that heart into His presence.
The Posture of Listening
Prayer is not merely a monologue or a list of demands. While God primarily speaks to us through His inspired Word, prayer is the posture of a quieted soul ready to receive what Scripture teaches. Pair your prayer with your Bible study. Let the verses you read inform the prayers you pray. If you are reading a passage about God's mercy, spend time thanking Him for that mercy.