If not, let your first prayer be one of confession and faith, asking Him to come into your life as your Lord and Savior. Even if talking honestly with other people comes naturally to you, it’s understandable if talking with God feels like a steep learning curve. In fact, the disciples — Jesus’ closest followers — only asked Jesus a few questions about how to do something, one of which was “teach us how to pray.” God fervently hopes that you want to love him, just as he loves you.
Prayer is supposed to be a time when we listen to God, but often our prayers are one-sided. As a frequent reader of our website, you know how important America’s voice is in the conversation about the church and the world. We can’t do it without you—America Media relies on generous support from our readers. Please visit our membership page to learn how you can invest in our work by subscribing to the magazine or making a donation.
Prayer is a spiritual practice that is common among many religions and cultures. It is often seen as a way to communicate with a higher power, such as God. But is praying actually just talking to God?
But our everyday expressions of need are not the burden of the New Testament when it comes to prayer. While Scripture encourages us to pray for all manner of things, God also clearly exhorts us to focus our prayer lives. We can easily forget how grievously we sin against God every day. Often we focus on the grace of God and gloss over our own personal offenses against God. We tend to think to ourselves, “well I’m not that bad. “Pray in secret” “don’t use a lot of words” are just a few of the suggestions he throws out.
The words seemed blunt and direct, like many of Jesus’ words in the Gospels. It may be rare, but perhaps not surprising. If we are thinking about God’s communicating with us in prayer, why wouldn’t God use words from time to time? Perhaps it does not happen frequently because even during prayer most of us are too self-aware to allow something as concrete as words to freely enter our heads. And he said to do this for the length of an “Our Father” (which, said at a gentle pace, can be about 30 seconds). That was the context from which everything else flowed.
Our minds drift so easily in times of prayer. One moment I’m praying, the next I’m thinking about that email I need to reply to. Utilizing the structure of the Lord’s Prayer helps me to recognize when my mind has wandered and helps me remember where to pick up again. Answers to prayer are supposed to honor God and bring glory to Him. This is one of the main reasons we offer prayer in the name of Christ. Jesus assured His disciples that if they remained in Him and His words remained in them, whatever they wished would be given to them.
When we pray, we are indeed communicating with God, but it is not simply a one-sided conversation. Prayer is a way for us to express our thoughts, feelings, and desires to God, but it is also an opportunity for us to listen and receive guidance from Him.
Praying correctly involves having the right intention and mindset. It is important to approach prayer with humility, sincerity, and faith. Remember that God already knows your heart and desires, so there is no need to be overly formal or rehearsed in your prayers.
As with most other relationships, the things you talk to God about will develop as your trust in Him grows. Remember to listen to God as you talk with Him. Strong relationships are not built on one-way conversations.
One key aspect of praying correctly is being honest and vulnerable with God. Share your joys, sorrows, fears, and doubts with Him openly and authentically. God wants to have a personal relationship with you, and prayer is a way to nurture that connection.
How can I pray correctly?
First and foremost, it is important to set aside time each day for prayer. Whether it is in the morning, at night, or throughout the day, finding a consistent time to pray can help you develop a deeper connection with God.
Another important aspect of praying correctly is focusing on gratitude. Take time to thank God for the blessings in your life, both big and small. Gratitude can shift your perspective and help you see the good in every situation.
Additionally, praying with a spirit of surrender can help you align your will with God’s. Trust that He knows what is best for you and be open to His guidance and direction in your life.
Conclusion
While praying may seem like just talking to God, it is much more than that. It is a sacred practice that allows us to connect with our Creator, express our deepest thoughts and emotions, and seek guidance and comfort in times of need. By approaching prayer with humility, sincerity, and faith, we can cultivate a meaningful and transformative relationship with God.
