How to Pray - Spiritual Discipline - Following the Pattern of the Lord's Prayer

How to Pray…

“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. ⁶ 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. ⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, ¹⁰ Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. ¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

- Jesus (Matthew 5:5-13)

You don’t need to use big or pretty words.

You don’t need to pray for a long time.

Just pray respectfully to God. Remember that He is the King, and He loves us like a good Father.

Focus your prayer by going through these steps:

1. Ask God if He wants to communicate anything to you. Wait a few moments to receive His response. 

2. Think about who God is. What do you appreciate about Him? 

3. Thank God for some things He’s done for you, both recently and throughout your life. 

4. Take a moment to think about any sins you may have committed since your last prayer time. Confess them to God and ask Him to forgive you. 

5. Tell God about any concerns, needs, or worries you’re having, and ask Him for His help.