How do I pray?

The Bible teaches us to pray as a vital, reverent, and relational act of communion with God. Prayer is not simply about asking for things—it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will, expressing dependence on Him, and deepening our relationship with Him. Here's how the Bible teaches us to pray:

1. Pray to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit

Biblical prayer is Trinitarian:

  • We pray to the Father (Matthew 6:9),

  • through the mediation of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14–16; John 14:13–14),

  • and by the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26–27; Ephesians 6:18).

2. Pray in Faith and Humility

The Bible calls for sincere, humble, and trusting prayer:

  • "Ask, and it will be given to you..." (Matthew 7:7–11)

  • "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (James 1:6)

  • God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (Luke 18:9–14).

3. Follow the Model of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13)

Jesus gave a pattern, not just words to repeat:

  • Worship: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”

  • Submission: “Your kingdom come, your will be done”

  • Petition: “Give us this day our daily bread”

  • Confession: “Forgive us our debts”

  • Dependence: “Deliver us from evil”

4. Pray Regularly and Persistently

  • “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

  • Jesus taught us to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1–8).

  • Daniel and the early church prayed at set times (Daniel 6:10; Acts 3:1).

5. Pray with a Clean Heart and Right Motives

  • Unrepentant sin hinders prayer (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2).

  • "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly..." (James 4:3).

6. Pray in All Circumstances

  • With thanksgiving in everything (Philippians 4:6)

  • In suffering or joy (James 5:13)

  • For others (1 Timothy 2:1–2; Ephesians 6:18)

7. Pray in the Spirit and with Scripture

  • The Spirit helps us pray according to God's will (Romans 8:26–27).

  • Praying Scripture (e.g., Psalms or Paul's prayers) aligns us with God’s truth.

In summary, the Bible teaches prayer as a personal, persistent, faith-filled conversation with God—rooted in His Word, shaped by His will, and sustained by His Spirit.