Many people think prayer is something complicated, reserved for very devout people or solemn occasions. In reality, prayer is simply opening our heart to God as we would to a friend. You do not need polished words, only honesty and trust that He is listening.
A secret place with God
Jesus taught His disciples that prayer is not a performance for others but a personal meeting: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6). It might be a quiet room, a walk in the park or a few minutes in the car before work. What matters is making room for God in your day.
The peace that comes from trust
Worries weigh on all of us, but the Bible shows us what to do with them: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer does not always change the situation right away, but it changes us and brings a peace the world cannot give.
Praying for one another
Faith is not meant to be lived alone. The Bible encourages us to carry one another’s burdens and to pray for each other, because “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16). God invites us to come to Him with confidence: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3). That is why Paul simply says: “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
What we can bring in prayer
Sometimes we think we should only bring God the “big things”. The Bible shows us that we can talk with Him about anything: joys, fears, decisions, relationships, health or work. The apostle Peter encourages us: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). No worry is too small for a Father who loves us.
A simple pattern for prayer can begin with praise for who God is, continue with thanks for what He has done, confession of our mistakes and requests for ourselves and others, and end with trust that He will answer in His own best way and time.
When prayer seems unanswered
We all go through moments when we pray and see no change. The Bible does not hide these moments; the Psalms are full of honest cries. Jesus Himself prayed in the garden of Gethsemane: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39).
Prayer is not a way to persuade God to do our will, but a path on which we learn to trust His will. Sometimes the answer is “yes”, sometimes “wait”, and sometimes “I have something better for you”. In every situation, He stays by our side.
Praying together
The first Christians prayed together regularly, and the church was born in an atmosphere of prayer. Jesus made a special promise for praying together: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).
At our church we pray for one another, and every request we receive is carried carefully before God. You do not have to go through trials alone: a community that prays for you can be a priceless support.
For reflection
When is prayer easiest for you, and when is it hardest? Choose one person to pray for every day this week. If you would like us to pray for you too, please use the Prayer requests page.
Bible verses are quoted from the King James Version.