How To Pray Effectively
Learning how to pray effectively plays a very important role in your spiritual growth! I am still growing in my understanding, but I will share with you what I have learned so far. I will focus on prayer techniques while trying to answer some common questions that many of us have.
"Do I need to kneel to pray?"
 "Is it ok to just talk to God?"
"What should I say?"
How to Pray Effectively
How to act before God
You have to understand that when you pray, you are speaking directly to God! It is required that you come to God in humbleness with a sincere heart. He's God. Not you. Built into our hearts are pride, hate, deceit, (the list goes on), but to bring those qualities to your prayer life (and not confronting them) makes it questionable how sincere you are before God. Please understand that you are a sinner and you are saved through God's grace alone, and you have ZERO room for pride. Fear God and come to him with love. I believe that is rule #1.
How to Pray Effectively
What should I say?
God is our father in heaven and we have a relationship with him through the death of Jesus Christ. When we look into the bible, we find many different prayer techniques. We find accounts of people praying while dancing, kneeling, standing while bowing their heads, and more. Sometimes when I find myself away from home in a busy environment, I will casually talk to God like a person. When I'm by myself I will devote myself by kneeling while I pray. It is clear there are many different ways to communicate with him, but what to say during that communication is up to you. You can talk to God about anything!Ask for forgiveness
Thank him for all that you have, including your life
 Pray for others going through struggles
Tell God how you feel about everything!
(you can be 100% honest)
Ask him to help you turn away from sin.
Say the Our Fathers prayer
Ask him to put you through events in your life that will help you to grow spiritually, conforming your life to be more like Jesus Christ.
Whatever topic you choose to pray about is up to you. Just remember to pray with focus.
How to Pray Effectively
Why do I need to pray?
Prayer is 100% required of a growing christian. You cannot have a growing relationship with someone you don't talk to. Let me give you an example.
 The US Military is responsible for turning out some of the world's greatest pilots. Their pilots are trained under the most stressful circumstances, and can handle almost any situation. These pilots understand that they are required to follow orders and are trusting their commander not to mislead them, which are 2 qualities that provide a growing platform for their passion. Without a perfect combination of trust and obedience, they would not have grown in their passion for flying.
Let's apply that to your relationship with God. Now that you know how to pray, you may ask yourself "why do I need to pray?". Give me a good reason why you should not be praying. If our are passionate about becoming more like Jesus Christ, you will trust and obey God while your out on the battlefield.
I don't know where you are right now. Maybe your at the library, school, or sitting in your bedroom at the computer. You may be saying "I can't wait to go to sleep tonight and pray to God." Why wait? Wherever you are, go somewhere right now where you can close the door on the world. Talk to God and thank him for teaching you how to pray. Just talk to him. You'll know what to say! My greatest secret is...
  Stumble It!
Return TO "prayers" FROM "how to pray"
|
