Prayer Guide
For many new Christians, it can be difficult to know how to pray. It may be overwhelming as you try to figure out when, where, and how you should pray. Let’s start off by saying this: there is no formula for praying. There is no exact science behind crafting the perfect prayer.
So, how do you pray? Prayer is all about your heart.
Simply put, it is how you communicate with God. By learning about how to pray, what to pray about, Biblical examples of prayers, and seeing resources for praying, you will have a stronger grasp of what your prayer time could look like and how to pray Biblically.
To start your guide to Christian prayer, how to pray and what to pray about.
How to Pray
How to pray: talk to God and listen to what he says back to you. Prayer is simply communicating with Him. Prayer is not a task or duty for Christians. It comes from our hearts and our longing to give God glory and ask for His guidance in times of hardship.
What to Pray about
What to pray about is limitless. Pray about what God has put on your heart! Maybe a sick friend has been on your heart, pray for them. Declare healing over them and tell Him what’s on your heart.
More ideas of what you can pray about are:
- People who are unsaved
- Sick relatives or people in your life
- Unreached people groups in the world
- Thank God
- Wisdom and discernment in your life
- That God would use you and you would hear His voice
These are just a few examples to help you get started with your prayer time. Remember you do not have to pray at a certain time or in a certain place, you can pray throughout your day, whenever and wherever you are.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Lord’s Prayer: How We Should Pray
The Bible gives us examples of how to pray. The prayer that is the most used from the Bible is called, “The Lord’s Prayer.” The disciples asked Jesus how they were to pray and this is what he said,
“This, then, is how you should pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
– Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus shows us how we are to pray in this passage. This prayer is one you memorize. Memorizing Scripture is another way we can honor God. Then, if you are unsure of what you should pray, you can pray the Lord’s prayer.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7