How to pray: Drawing closer to God through prayer
Welcome! I pray that the Holy Spirit gives me the right words to say so that you are blessed by this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have as believers. It is not just a religious ritual or a habit we practice out of obligation—it is a direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we grow in our relationship with God, experience His presence, and align our hearts with His will. But many of us struggle with prayer. We wonder if we’re doing it “right,” if God is really listening, or if our words even matter.
The truth is, prayer is not about perfection—it’s about connection. Jesus never gave His disciples a long list of rules for how to pray. Instead, He taught them to come before God with sincerity, humility, and faith. If you’ve ever felt lost in your prayer life, this post is for you. Let’s dive into what Scripture says about prayer and how you can deepen your conversations with God.
1. Come to God as You Are
Prayer isn’t about having the right words; it’s about having the right heart. God doesn’t expect us to be eloquent or polished—He simply wants us to come to Him. Whether you’re feeling joyful, weary, anxious, or broken, God welcomes you with open arms.
📖 Psalm 62:8 reminds us:
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge.”
There is no need to pretend with God. He already knows your heart. Be honest with Him, and let your prayers be real and raw.
2. Pray with Faith, Not Just Feelings
Sometimes we don’t “feel” like praying. We get distracted, discouraged, or unsure if our prayers are making a difference. But prayer isn’t based on how we feel—it’s based on faith.
📖 Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Faith doesn’t mean we always get exactly what we ask for, but it does mean we trust God’s goodness. Even when we don’t see immediate results, we believe that God hears us and is working on our behalf.
3. Follow the Example of Jesus
When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He gave them the Lord’s Prayer as a model (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer teaches us key elements of effective prayer:
Worship: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” (Start with praise!)
Surrender: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” (Submit to God’s plan.)
Dependence: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Ask for your needs.)
Forgiveness: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Repent and extend grace to others.)
Protection: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Ask for spiritual strength.)
You don’t have to use these exact words, but following this structure can help guide your prayers.
4. Be Persistent and Expectant
God desires us to pray continually and not give up. Sometimes we don’t receive an answer right away, but that doesn’t mean we should stop praying.
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
God is always at work, even in the waiting. Keep seeking Him, and trust that He hears every word.
5. Listen as Much as You Speak
Prayer is a two-way conversation. Too often, we bring our lists of requests but forget to pause and listen for God’s voice. He speaks through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and sometimes through a gentle whisper in our hearts.
📖 Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
Spend time in stillness after you pray. Open your Bible, quiet your heart, and be attentive to what God may be saying.
6. Pray About Everything
There is nothing too big or too small for God. He cares about every detail of your life, from your deepest struggles to the smallest worries.
📖 Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When you make prayer your first response instead of your last resort, you will experience God’s peace in incredible ways.
Let’s Put It into Practice
Prayer is not complicated. It’s simply spending time with your Father, pouring out your heart, and listening for His voice. Whether you pray in the morning, during your commute, or before bed, God is always available.
💡 Let’s challenge ourselves this week:
✅ Set aside time every day to talk to God.
✅ Be intentional about listening, not just speaking.
✅ Pray with boldness, believing God hears you.
If this post encouraged you, share it with a friend who might need a reminder of God’s presence in their life. And if you’re looking for more faith-filled content, follow my blog and our Facebook page for encouragement, wisdom, and community.
God bless you!
Peace, love, and prayers.
