The Way to Pray

Some people beat themselves as they pray, while others chant incessantly. Some people pray often; others, only when there is a crisis. If there are so many ways to pray, how do we find the best way? Jesus’ disciples asked a very similar question one day after hearing Him pray.

“So He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one’” (Luke 11:2-4). Jesus’ model prayer was short, complete, and simple. He did not ask the disciples to go to extremes to talk to God.

It is also important to know that when we pray, Someone is ready to help us: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). The Holy Spirit takes our feeble prayers and translates them into the language of heaven. How awesome is that?

The Bible encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Such prayer can become as easy as breathing, if we keep our heart and mind constantly in tune with God. Sometimes we kneel and close our eyes to pray, but this is not nearly as important as staying in continual contact with God and obeying His voice.

King David wrote, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Ps. 66:18). As you pray, let the Holy Spirit convict you of sin, of anything keeping God from working in your life.