Prayer seems simple, yet we struggle to pray at times simply. Not knowing where to begin or believing we are doing it wrong. That’s the funny thing about it; it is simple! Even as we mature, it remains simple! So, let’s begin by breaking it down piece by piece.
Learning To Pray
As children, we are all taught life skills to survive. The goal is for us to grow up and live healthy lives, doing the same thing as new Believers. Spiritual Growth is also essential for survival. Prayer needs to be one of the things we view as necessary.
It does not matter how old you are when you begin to pray because it works the same at any age. Furthermore, we would benefit by looking at prayer like a child does when learning the things they need to grow.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) say's "Train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it."
Collins Dictionary defines it this way, “Prayer is the activity of speaking to God.”
It seems simple enough, but why do we stress about it? Maybe, we worry that we won’t be good at it like other people we know or that we will pray the wrong thing? Or that God will judge us on our performance? None of these are true. So, with that in mind, let’s go to the authority on how to pray, Jesus.
John 1:1-2 (NIV) says this about Him, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being."
Applying What We’ve Learned
In Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV), Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray. Firstly, it’s the best example in the Bible because it’s clear and concise, making it easy to understand. Secondly, we can use it anywhere and anytime, daily if needed. Thirdly, and most importantly, it’s the best example of prayer in the whole Bible when learning because it’s from Jesus, God, in physical form!
In conclusion, following this example with practice is key to mastering this skill. Pray out loud!
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Prayer
As I start my day, teach me how to pray like You taught the Disciples, Lord- Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Please give us the food we need today, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Thank You, Lord, for teaching us how to pray with Your Word in Matthew 6:9-13!
Using Scripture to Pray
Scripture is another excellent tool to use when learning how to pray. Whether in the New or Old Testaments, they are both awesome! So now, let’s use another scripture to pray.
Daily Assurance
LORD, when I pray, please answer me and encourage me by giving me the strength I need. Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
Praying On Your Own
Now it’s your turn to try it on your own, and remember, you are only talking to God, one conversation at a time! Start by pretending you are sharing your heart with a friend or someone you respect and love in your life. That will connect your heart to God! You will talk, and He will listen; you can count on it! Hopefully, you start right away!
Declaration
God can teach us how to pray; all we need is a willing heart like a child!
As a daily reminder, here is our Faithful in Prayer Printable.
