Pray

Scripture

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)

This devotional will answer the most basic questions about prayer and provide you with a template for your prayers. The questions will be followed by scriptures and explanations.

Also see the Working devotional for an example of how to start your work day with prayer.

You already knew the answer to that question. We should all pray to God. We should also have faith that whatever we ask in God’s will, He will answer us. You don’t have to be a religious leader to pray.

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 (NIV)

To those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9‭-‬14 (NIV)

In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a Tax Collector coming to God in prayer. The Pharisee was an ancient religious leader known for having a superiority complex. The Tax Collector's profession in ancient days was known for corruption. This verse above shows us that God wants us to pray even in our broken state of being. If we humbly approach God in our heart He will listen and answer our prayers.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 (NIV)

Early in my Christian journey I would pray as a last resort. After I had exhausted myself trying to figure out the solution to a situation, then I would pray. As I have matured I have learned that is the exact opposite of how I should bring my requests to God. I need to involve God from the beginning, so that my plans will be established in wisdom. Once I started seeking God I realized that many situations could be avoided. There is not a money back guarantee that problems will not arise, but it will provide peace in the situation.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 (NIV)

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12 (NIV)

From my childhood to now, I have grown physically as well as spiritually. When I was a kid, prayer was something I did on Sunday mornings at church and at bedtime. When I grew more spirtually, I started praying in the morning as well. Now I have learned that prayer shouldn’t just be a routine; although it is a good routine to have. It should be an ongoing conversation with God. All throughout the day I find myself speaking to God in my heart.

”And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:5-6 (NIV)

There is a time and place to pray publicly such as at a prayer service or group prayer. They both have great value because Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 (NIV). There is also a time and place to pray privately. In your private prayer time, you get to be one with God and free from distractions. I believe that is why Jesus tells us to go into a closet and close the door. This isolation from the world allows you to give your full attention to God.

If you are new to praying, use the "Lord’s Prayer" as a guide. Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4. Jesus taught His disciples the "Lord’s Prayer" as a template for prayer. Prayer doesn’t have to be a long extended time of elaborate words. In a men’s Bible study group, I learned how to use the acronym ACTS in my prayer time.

Adoration - praising God for who He is in your life.
Confession - acknowledging shortcomings and tempations.
Thanksgiving - thanking God for your life, family, health, peace, and all that he is to you.
Supplication - making your request, and asking for God's will.

Your homework assignment: Take the Lord's Prayer and see how it fits into the ACTS model.