Prayer is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith and an important means of connecting with God. It is not uncommon for new believers or those looking to deepen their spiritual lives to ask, “How do I learn to pray?” The truth is that prayer is not a one-size-fits-all practice and can look different for each individual. However, certain principles and techniques can guide and strengthen one’s prayer life. This blog aims to explore these principles and offer practical tips for learning to pray in a meaningful and impactful way for each individual.
What is prayer?
Prayer is the act of communication with God. It is an expression of faith and a means of establishing a deeper relationship with the Divine. In Christian history, many great figures have exemplified the power and importance of prayer. Martin Luther, for example, is known for emphasizing the importance of personal prayer and its role in his spiritual journey. Similarly, Smith Wigglesworth, a prominent figure in the Pentecostal movement, is known for his strong faith and powerful prayer life. Through prayer, Luther and Wigglesworth were able to deepen their relationship with God and achieve great things in their respective fields.
Martin Luther said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
Smith Wigglesworth said, “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
The practice of prayer enables us to present our needs and concerns to God, to give thanks for blessings, and to grow in our understanding of His will. It is an important part of the Christian journey and an essential tool for connecting with the Divine.
Types of prayer
From the biblically-minded Christian viewpoint, prayer can take many forms including:
- Adoration: This type of prayer involves praising and worshipping God for who He is. An example of this can be found in Psalms 103:1, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”
- Confession: This type of prayer involves acknowledging and confessing one’s sins to God. An example of this can be found in Psalms 51:3, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”
- Thanksgiving: This type of prayer involves giving thanks to God for His blessings and provision. An example of this can be found in Psalms 136:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
- Intercession: This type of prayer involves praying for others. An example of this can be found in James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
- Supplication: This type of prayer involves making requests and petitioning God for specific needs. An example of this can be found in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
It is important to know that these types of prayer are not mutually exclusive and that one can incorporate elements of different types of prayer into a single prayer. It is also important to understand that the Bible encourages us to approach God with an open and honest heart and to be authentic in our communication with Him.
Benefits of prayer
Prayer is a central practice in Christianity and has been shown to have numerous benefits. The Bible is full of examples of the power of prayer. In the book of Acts, an angel is sent to free Peter from prison because of the prayers of the Christian community. This quote from Thomas Watson, “The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel,” underscores the idea that prayer can bring about miraculous change.
Scientific studies have also shown that prayer can positively affect mental and physical health. Research has found that regular prayer can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, studies have shown that prayer can increase feelings of social support, reduce depression, and improve coping skills.
It is important to know that prayer is not just about asking for something but also about listening and talking to God. It is a way of being heard and understood without judgment or prejudice. This can be a powerful source of comfort and support, especially in times of need.
Understanding the basics of prayer
Setting a time and place for prayer is an important part of any Christian’s faith journey. Daniel, in the Bible, set himself apart to spend time with God through prayer and supplication. He “kneeled down upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God” (Daniel 6:10).
Jesus also showed the importance of setting aside a special time specifically for prayer when He taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-15. In this passage, Jesus instructs them to go into their private rooms and close the door when they pray. Doing so would ensure that they were not distracted by what was happening around them, making it easier to focus on their conversations with God.
The Psalmist also consistently sought out a quiet place for prayer: “I will go into your house with burnt offerings; I will pay you my vows” (Psalm 66:13). By taking time away from work or other responsibilities and entering into God’s presence we experience communion with Him. Additionally, setting a specific daily time helps us prioritise our relationship with Him over all else.
Preparing for prayer
Preparation for prayer is essential to any meaningful conversation with God. Taking time to meditate and be aware of God’s presence creates an environment in which we can draw near to Him. Reading the Bible is a good way to prepare for prayer because it allows us to encounter the Word of God so that His will and purpose guide our prayers.
The Bible provides numerous examples of how people prepare themselves before praying. For example, Moses climbed Mount Sinai every morning to prepare himself before conversing with God (Exodus 24:18). Samuel used fasting as a way to prepare himself for prayer (1 Samuel 7:6). Jesus often went off alone or into places such as a garden, desert, or mountain when He wanted to pray (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46).
The Reformers and Puritans also developed systematic approaches to preparing their hearts and minds for prayer. They believed in setting aside specific times in the day just for prayer. They also took silence or meditation beforehand to clear their minds of earthly distractions. By preparing well for prayer, we can focus on listening to and talking with God instead of being distracted by worldly concerns.
The importance of listening during prayer
Listening is an essential part of prayer, not just a one-sided monologue. We must give God time to speak to us, for He often speaks in ways we do not expect or recognize. His will and purpose can guide us if we listen during prayer.
The Bible contains examples of people who heard from God through prayer. For example, when Samuel first received the call from the Lord in 1 Samuel 3:9-10, he was startled and did not realise it was God until he listened intently and answered Him. In John 17:20-21, Jesus heard from God during His Garden of Gethsemane prayer that His disciples would be sanctified through their faith in Him.
Listening for direction from the Lord during prayer helps us stay on the right path and make wise decisions that align with His will for our lives. In Psalm 25:4-5 David pleads with the Lord for guidance, saying, “Show me your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me” (ESV). Listening attentively allows us to discern better what God has for us, providing clarity and assurance in times of uncertainty.
Finding the right words
It can be difficult to find the right words for prayer, but God is not concerned with perfection or eloquence – He wants us to speak to Him with an open heart.
The Bible shows us examples of heartfelt prayers, yet simple in their expression. In 2 Chronicles 6:14-21 Solomon offers up a beautiful prayer of dedication and gratitude that even mentions his own unworthiness to approach God. However, Jesus also told us in Matthew 6:7, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words” (ESV).
Ultimately, no magic words or level of eloquence make one’s prayers better than another’s. Rather than worrying about finding the right words, we should focus on having the right attitude and humbly coming before our Lord. As Proverbs 28:9 says, “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination” (ESV).
Using traditional prayers & journaling
Traditional prayers and journaling can help you learn the art of prayer. Using examples from the Bible, we can learn what other people’s prayers looked like and even use them as models for our own. We can see how Hannah prayed fervently but succinctly in 1 Samuel 1:10-17, or how King David expressed his heart and thoughts to God and himself in Psalm 61.
Writing down our thoughts can also ease the pressure of coming up with words on the spot, allowing us to develop our prayers more thoughtfully and authentically. King Solomon said, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise and apply your heart to my knowledge” (Proverbs 22:17 ESV). Journaling is one way we can apply this wisdom by writing out our thoughts thoughtfully before expressing them in prayer.
By planning out our intentions through traditional prayers or writing them down in a journal, we can take away some of the pressure often associated with prayer so that it becomes a focused dialogue between God and us. When Jesus was asked how to pray, He taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13 ESV) as an example of how to layout and express our requests to God. This still serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for believers today as we look for expressions of faith that come from the heart.
The power of silence in prayer
Sometimes the best way to pray is not with words but in silent contemplation. The power of silence should be considered. In 1 Samuel 1:13, it says that when Hannah prayed, she “spoke in her heart” (ESV), and Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk when he observed her because she did not say her prayer aloud. In addition, silence also helps us listen better to God’s voice. King David said in Psalm 62:1-2 ESV, “On God alone, my soul waits in silence; from him comes to my salvation….” When we take the time to be still before the Lord, He can answer us in ways that words cannot.
Building a daily prayer practice
The importance of consistency in prayer
Prayer is like a muscle – the more it is used, the stronger it becomes. However, many people find it difficult to make prayer a habit. Research has shown that habit formation takes time, effort, and consistency to become automatic and permanent. Charles Duhigg’s Habit Loop Breakdown states that it takes about 66 days for an activity to become part of our routine. A consistent prayer routine helps us focus more intently on our conversations with God and listen attentively to His voice.
Incorporating prayer into daily life
Prayer is an important part of many people’s daily lives. It can be a great way to start and end the day, and it can also be incorporated into daily tasks. It’s easier than you think to incorporate prayer into your daily life!
One way to make prayer a part of your daily routine is to make time for it in the morning or evening. This can be as simple as five minutes before bed or praying first thing in the morning. You could also use this time to read or meditate on Bible passages.
Another way to incorporate prayer into daily life is to associate it with chores and tasks. For example, when you wash the dishes, you could say a short prayer of thanksgiving for the food you cooked and ate. Or, when folding the laundry, you could pray for the people who wear the clothes you fold.
Finally, remember that prayer does not have to be formal or place-based. Praying on the street or in nature can be as meaningful as praying in a church or synagogue. You do not need special words or rituals; speaking from the heart is enough.
Integrating prayer into your daily life can give you peace and comfort in difficult times and strengthen your relationship with God. With a little creativity and dedication, you will soon find that prayer has become an integral part of your daily life!
The role of community in prayer
The Bible encourages us not to neglect gathering with other believers. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
When we come together as a community to pray and worship, we are strengthened and inspired by each other. We can look at biblical examples of how believers journeyed together in faith and prayer in good times and bad. One example is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were thrown into a furnace of fire because they refused to bow down to an idol (Daniel 3). Although they faced death, they trusted God, who saved them from disaster.
Community prayer is also an opportunity to lift our leaders in prayer. We can pray for wisdom for those in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1-2) to lead in justice and righteousness. We can also pray for peace in our communities (Psalm 122:6-7) so that all people can live peacefully together.
Through community prayer, we can be encouraged by others’ faithfulness to God and be reminded of His power and goodness. As we pray for our communities, let us remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
Additional resources for learning more about prayer
Are you looking for more resources to help you learn more about prayer? Look no further! There are various books, websites, podcasts, and even a free prayer course to help you grow in your faith and pray more strategically.
Books such as “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson and “Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God” by Timothy Keller are great places to start. Websites like Hope Joy in Christ, The Navigators, Desiring God and Mintools provide helpful resources on prayer. Podcasts like the Bible Project Podcast and Pray-as-you-go offer engaging content on how to pray. Finally, the free prayer course by Prayer Relay is an excellent way to learn how to pray.
No matter which source you choose, there are many ways to learn more about prayer. So why wait? Start your search today!
