This is a very common question. Some sincerely don’t know how to pray, which is what this section will cover and some are afraid, fearing they might approach it wrongly and be in an awkward position. Banish that thought. In this Satan is trying to put barrier between you and God. Remember in Revelation 3:20 – Jesus’ is at the door, waiting for us to invite him to eat with Him and He with us. When He is invited, it is a two way fellowship. How personal is that! But this is not a license to take the relationship for granted; we still need to give Him what is due to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

What I have listed down are some answers and suggestions on How to pray? Do take some time to ponder the sharing and see what fits you. Ultimately, it is about building your own lifestyle in prayer.

- Modes of prayer: In this I mean two modes, we can use it alone or in combination according to what God has laid in your heart.

  • Pray Conversationally: This being the easiest way we can pray to God. I.e. audibly or in your mind speak to him. as Jesus did.
  • Pray In Tongues: For those who have received the gift of tongues can pray in tongues.

Ephesians 6:18 – And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

  • Fast and Pray :

Ezra 8:23 – So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

  • Prayer and Praise

Psalm 66:20 – Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

– Is there a proper way to pray, is there a structure?

Over the years I have come across some guidance on how we can pray. It is not a compulsory format, rather a guide to help us structure our prayer time with God. If you take some parts, add new parts or just use 30% and flow with your own, it doesn’t matter. More importantly, that you are praying regularly and it helps you in your journey of a lifestyle of prayer.

There are two sections that can help guide us in prayer if we don’t have a technique today, you may want to get some suggestions here. The first is the acronym called ACTS and the other is the 5 fingers of prayer. I feel they actually complement each other. The 5 fingers of prayer will be covered in what to pray for?

ACTS: I take no credit of this acronym and if you are the author let me know. It was taught to me many many years ago. Hence I want to share this with you.

This acronym of ACTS is explained as follows:

A: Adoration is to adore God, to worship him and to fulfil the commandment to love him with all of our heart, mind and soul.

Hebrews 13:15  – Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Romans 5:3-5  – 3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

C: Confession allows us to clear the things in the relationship between you and God which are displeasing to Him.

James 5: 16  – Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

1 John 1:8,9 – 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

T: Thanksgiving. From childhood we are brought up to say “Thank You” when someone does something for us, or gives us a gift.

1 Thessalonians 5:18  – in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:1  – First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,

Philippians 4:6  – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

S: Supplication or Intercession. Finally we come to ask God for our needs and the needs of others.


Ephesians 6:18  – With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Philippians 4:6  – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Please take some time to meditate on how we should pray to Him who loves us. He may show us far more that what we expect.

Jeremiah 33:3  – ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

Please take some time to meditate on the verses and as you meditate, you could also pop in at the Worship Video Section and have a mini- worship session.

God Bless

Ben

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