We are commanded to pray. The new testaments tells us that men ought always pray and not faint (Luke 18:1). Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Many people are confused on how to pray and what to pray. Many are even confused as to when and where to pray.

The purpose of this lesson is to dispel any confusion that you may have.

By definition, Prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks to God. Simply put it is communication with God. We talk to him and allow room for God to speak to us. And can be equated to a conversation.

Prayer should be made in faith and sincerity. Prayer should be in align with the Word of God! We never pray contrary to the Bible.

In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus provided a template on what and how to pray. Let’s take a look:

Matthew 6:9-13, “After this manner therefore pray ye:

⁃ Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (We start our prayer with worship. Hollowed means holy, set apart. We begin by exalting God).

⁃ Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (We then ask for God’s will to be accomplished in our lives).

⁃ Give us this day our daily bread. (We then ask Good to meet our daily needs).

⁃ And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (We then repent of our sins and ask God to help those who have sinned against us).

⁃ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: (We ask for deliverance and direction/guidance).

⁃ For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (We end our prayer in praise).

This is template given by God. If you are new to prayer, this blueprint is for you. It is not necessary to say the exact words noted above. But your prayer should consist of these elements.

Again, prayer is a conversation with God. You can speak reverently and respectfully to God in your own words. He understands you and the intentions of your heart. Big swelling and eloquent words are not needed to have a successful prayer. Just Speak comfortably and sincerely to God.

The Bible has other examples of prayer. Here are a couple from the Old Testament. Because they are from the Old Testament, they do not follow the template The Lord’s Prayer from the New Testament. However, the sentiment can be incorporated into your prayers.

Psalms 23 Prayer. A prayer of trust and love toward God. It reminds us of God’s goodness, provision, protection, comfort and control. No matter what we face (good times or bad. In lean times and in plenty), God is in control and working on our behalf.

Jabez Prayer. A prayer of blessings and increase. 1 Chronicles 4:10, “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

Psalms 51, David’s prayer of forgiveness and acknowledgment of his sin against God.

Search the scriptures to find other prayers. Just as long as you pray and pray effectively.

Prayer can be done anywhere and at anytime. You can pray effectively out loud or silently to yourself.

Most importantly you can pray when you are in the midst of a situation. Asking God to work on your behalf fight now.

You can create a secret place of prayer for yourself. I personally pray in my bedroom. I also add time for reading and quiet meditation on the word of God. It is during this time that I find the Lord speaking to me.

Find what works for you, just make sure to pray. Do it deliberately and mindfully.

Make time to talk to God. Add time to listen to God. It takes practice and may feel a little weird at first. But the more you practice, you will quickly become comfortable with personal time with God!

There are times when, in addition to your own prayers, you may need someone to pray with you or stand in agreement with you. When that time comes call for help (James 5:14, Matthew 18:20). There is power in joint prayer.

It’s time to pray. Take the time to pray for yourself, your family, your community, your country and our leaders. Pray for the world.

If you are in need of prayer we are willing to pray and stand in faith with you. Please feel free to email us at: OTP.Ministries1d@gmail.com.

Pray and Have a blessed day