Understanding how to pray is vital for every Christian. Whether you are a lifelong believer or just embarking on your spiritual journey, this prayer guide will be a source of inspiration for you.
There’s nothing we can do on our own to guarantee that a prayer will be answered. We must humbly present our prayers to God and trust in His goodness to respond in His perfect timing.
However, we can certainly teach ourselves "how to pray" by offering sincere prayers that will be embraced in heaven.
Below is a guide I provide on "how to pray" using "The Lord's Prayer" as a framework to follow.
I discovered this straightforward method of prayer while seeking to find my own voice as a young Christian woman.
Have you ever felt the urge to voice your thoughts in church? Share a prophecy, a testimony, or a simple prayer, but let fear hold you back?
I have experienced this too!
As you read my journey of overcoming the fear of speaking, you may find reflections of your own story in the account I share below.
How You Can Improve Your Life With Prayer
What's in this Blog Post
Improve Your Self-Perception
The Lord's Prayer Can Help You
The Holy Spirit Will Guide You in Prayer
Improve Your Life with Prayer
Improve Your Self-Perception
Throughout my young adult years, I was utterly terrified of speaking in public.
Each time I attempted to voice my thoughts, I would be startled by the sound of my own voice. This reaction led to me stumbling over my words and withdrawing into myself.
This overwhelming fear stopped me from participating in conversations with friends and family, and I was even afraid to share a testimony at church.
As I grew older and nurtured a deep relationship with the Lord, a longing within my spirit began to emerge. I came to understand that this was the Holy Spirit encouraging me to express the transformation happening in my heart.
The more I immersed myself in the Word of God and deepened my faith, the stronger my urge became to share what the Lord was doing in my spirit.
However, there was one major obstacle: I was petrified of public speaking. The thought of sharing God’s word, even in one-on-one settings, felt daunting.
As I reflected on my fears, I discovered a common thread—my lack of confidence was at the heart of these struggles.
I felt unqualified to pray.
"How does one actually pray?"
"What is the right way to pray?"
Despite being a Christian for nearly my entire life, I found it baffling that I didn’t know how to pray.
One day, I visited the church library seeking a book on prayer, but nothing inspired me to break free from my shell.
I was yearning to improve in this area, not just for personal development but also for my spiritual growth.
The Lord's Prayer Can Help You
After exhausting all other options, I turned to my Bible and repeatedly read The Lord's Prayer in Matthew chapter 6, seeking guidance on how to pray.
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
I was on a quest for hidden patterns or spiritual insights that could help me pray with more confidence, both in solitude and in public settings.
My search proved fruitful, as the Lord heard my heartfelt plea and responded in His goodness.
Through the Holy Spirit, He revealed to me a straightforward approach to effective prayer, which I still practice today.
While many people recite The Lord's Prayer multiple times a day, which can serve as a way to meditate on Scripture, it may not be the most effective method of prayer.
Although it is a passage from the Bible, the Lord desires more than just repetitive recitations.
He seeks prayers from a contrite and humble heart.
An impactful prayer arises from someone who recognizes their limitations and approaches with humility, rather than arrogance.
For instance, a humble person understands their need and feels honored to present their requests to their Heavenly Father, who holds the power to change their circumstances.
This situation can be likened to a commoner approaching a king with a request.
The commoner submits their needs to the king, who represents a higher authority.
Typically, this submission involves bowing low before the king and expressing loyalty to his power and realm.
When we pray, we should envision ourselves approaching the King of Kings—bowing low and giving Him the honor that is rightfully His.
Your Step-By-Step Guide on Prayer
The following step-by-step guide will help you pray effectively and master the art of prayer, engaging your mind, spirit, and body based on your current state. Continue reading for insights.
How to Start Your Prayer
Approach with humility and present your prayer to the King of Kings. Place your request before His throne. In His presence, bow down and show Him the reverence He deserves.
When addressing the King of Kings, begin with, "O Lord, You are great, Your ways are marvelous; may Your kingdom be established forever. May Your will be fulfilled on earth and in heaven."
Request Your Daily Bread from the Lord
Next, request from Him what you need for the day, referred to as your "daily bread." This "daily bread" is revealed to you through the reading of God's word.
"I Am the Bread of Life."
John 6:35 (KJV)
Your "daily bread" may include wisdom, guidance, or a comforting word.
Seek Forgiveness from the Lord
"Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us."
This segment of your prayer is your opportunity to ask the Lord for forgiveness of your sins, ensuring that your prayers are not obstructed in heaven.
As you seek forgiveness, reflect on whether you have forgiven those who have wronged you. The scripture emphasizes the importance of forgiving others in order to receive forgiveness ourselves.
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
Request Protection and Guidance from the Lord
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Take a moment to ask the Lord for His divine protection in your life, so you may avoid falling into sin.
Bring your thoughts and intentions to the Lord each day, dedicating your efforts to Him.
The Word of God reminds us, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."
Present Your Prayer Requests
At this stage of your prayer, humbly present each specific request, clearly articulating who and what you are praying for.
Honor the Lord
Express your gratitude for His attentiveness to your prayers, and recognize that nothing can be achieved without His divine presence.
"For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever."
Amen
The Holy Spirit's Guidance in Prayer
When you pray, open your heart to the Lord's presence and let the Holy Spirit inspire your words with wisdom.
The Holy Spirit is aware of your needs and will guide your prayers in alignment with God's will.
"Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.'"
Jeremiah 1:19 (ESV)
Embrace Humility.
A helpful reminder while praying is to shift the focus away from yourself and direct your attention toward the Lord.
I envision myself standing before God's throne, presenting my requests to Him.
This posture helps me remain humble, as the Lord opposes the proud and arrogant.
"Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
James 4:6-8 (KJV)
Enhance Your Life Through Prayer
I am incredibly grateful that the Lord touched my life early in my journey as a young adult, empowering me to overcome my fear of public speaking.
This guide on how to pray served as a lifeline during a time when I yearned for spiritual growth and development.
Now, as a pastor's wife, grandmother, Sunday school teacher, and ministry instructor, I can confidently express myself in prayer, prophecy, and share testimonies without hesitation, all for the glory of God.
Through the Lord's power and grace, I have found victory in this vital aspect of Christian living. Praise the Lord!
And He can bring positive changes to your life as well!
Let's Pray Together
Father in Heaven,
We express our gratitude for Your Holy Word, which provides us with guidance and wisdom in our lives. You have graciously given us a prayer outline to follow. How magnificent You are! It is truly wonderful that You desire to hear from us. May we embrace humility in our prayers and learn to honor Your name with the reverence it deserves.
Bless every individual reading this blog post, and fulfill the requests they are bringing before You. I ask that You listen to their sincere prayers, recognize their needs, and respond from heaven to inspire their spirits. Grant them new life as they turn to You for all their necessities.
We rejoice in Your presence, O Lord, and we thank You for teaching us how to pray more effectively.
In Your Precious Name,
Amen
Blessings ~
Angie Viola
The Founder of My Sun & Shade Ministries
to Women, Children, Marriages, and Families
Comments