Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God. Through prayer, we can talk to God, ask for help and guidance, express gratitude, and bring our requests before our Heavenly Father. However, many Christians struggle with knowing how to pray.
If you want to strengthen your prayer life and learn how to pray more effectively, follow these 10 simple steps.
Step 1: Set Aside Time to Pray Daily
The first step is to make prayer a regular habit. Set aside time each day to talk with God. Many great saints in the Bible, like David and Daniel, prayed three times a day.
“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”
Psalm 55:17 (NKJV)
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“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
Daniel 6:10 (ESV)
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Jesus also encouraged us to pray regularly when he taught the Lord’s Prayer.
9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
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Start your day with morning prayer and end it with evening prayer.
Step 2: Find a Quiet Place to Pray
Find a quiet space where you can be alone with God without distractions. Jesus instructed us,
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
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Having a designated prayer space helps set aside time with God.
Step 3: Open Your Prayer Time with Praise and Thanksgiving
The Psalms are filled with David’s praises to God for who he is and what he’s done. Starting your prayer time by focusing on God’s attributes and thanking him for blessings prepares your heart for further prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer begins exalting God’s name and kingdom.
“9 Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)
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Step 4: Humbly Confess Your Sins
Spend time confessing your sins and asking God for forgiveness. David wrote,
“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”Psalm 32:5 (ESV)
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Remember that,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
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Step 5: Pray God’s Word Back to Him
Praying Scripture aligns our requests with God’s will and reminds us of His promises. The Psalms are especially helpful for learning how to pray.
Consider praying through portions of Psalm 119, which extols God’s Word.
Step 6: Intercede for Others
Pray for your loved ones, friends, neighbors, leaders, and even enemies. Paul instructed us:
“1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)
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Praying for others develops compassion and takes the focus off ourselves.
Step 7: Listen to God in Silence
After bringing your requests to God, quiet yourself and listen for His still small voice. God may speak words of encouragement, wisdom, or direction into your spirit.
David prayed,
“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
Psalm 143:8 (ESV)
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Step 8: Conclude by Again Praising God
As you close your prayer time, conclude with praise and gratitude, reminding yourself of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
The Lord’s Prayer concludes “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever”
Mathew 6:13 (NKJV)
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Ending prayer with praise keeps our perspective God-focused.
Step 9: Write Down Specific Prayer Requests
Keep a prayer journal detailing personal prayer requests, Scripture verses you’re praying, and the dates of your prayers.
Writing things down helps us remember to continue praying fervently. Over time, as you review your journal, you’ll see how God answers prayers!
Step 10: Find an Accountability Partner
Ask a spiritually mature Christian friend if you can regularly share prayer requests and praises with them. Sharing specific requests with someone helps us persevere in prayer. James wrote,
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16 (NIV)
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Key Takeaways
- Set aside regular time to pray each day.
- Find a quiet space removed from distractions.
- Open prayer with praise and gratitude.
- Confess sins and ask God’s forgiveness.
- Pray Scripture back to God.
- Intercede for others’ needs.
- Listen to God and write down what He says.
- Conclude by praising God again.
- Journal your prayer requests and God’s answers.
- Find an accountability partner to pray with.
By applying these simple steps, you can strengthen your daily prayer life as you learn to communicate intimately with your Heavenly Father.
As you pray regularly, expect to grow closer to God and see powerful answers to prayer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I pray about?
A. Anything! Talk to God about your needs, cares, desires, and joys. Pray for yourself and others. Bring all your requests to Him, from the small details of life to global issues.
Q. Does God really hear my prayers?
A. Yes absolutely! The Bible tells us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing He hears and cares about our prayers (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus said God knows what we need even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8).
Q. Why doesn’t God answer some prayers?
A. God answers every prayer, but sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it’s no, and sometimes it’s wait. He sees the full picture and always answers in the way that’s best for us in the long run, even when we can’t understand it. Trust His perfect timing and wisdom.
Q. How should I position my body while praying?
A. Any posture is fine! The Bible shows people praying kneeling, standing, laying prostrate, lifting hands, and more. It’s the attitude of your heart that matters most. Pray in whatever position helps you focus best.
Q. Do my prayers have to be eloquent or long?
A. No! Jesus condemned long, showy public prayers. God wants you to talk to Him from the heart in your own words, no matter how simple they are. The Holy Spirit will take our imperfect prayers and translate them to the Father.
