Prayer is encouraged as it is a pathway to communicate to God. God already knows what we need before we ask, but Prayer is a declaration of what is on our heart. All of the biblical prophets prayed to God, so we should do the same thing. Praying can be done in your native language or via tongues, a Holy Spirit gift, that allows you to pray to God directly, even though you may not understand your own prayer.
The Bible speaks of a parable about two men who pray before God. One is a sinner who asks for forgiveness and the other is self-righteous, justifying why he is good. Jesus explains that the man that confessed that he was a sinner and repented walked away justified, whilst the self-righteous pharisee not so much. As part of our prayer we should confess our sins, repent of them (acknowledging that we are indeed willing to turn our away from them).
We should pray at every chance we get, acknowledging God’s hand in our lives. God cares even for the little things in day-to-day life. We should pray for ourselves, family, friends, church, people in power (as God sets one up and removes another) and even our enemies.
The Bible states we should not intend to make long and repetitive prayers, but start with “Our Father in Heaven”, speak what is on your heart and end in “In Jesus’ Name. Amen”. The reason why we pray in Jesus’ name is because the Bible states there is only one way to the Father, through the Son, Jesus Christ. An example prayer is given in the Gospels and it is called the “Our Father”. This is a good prayer to start off with, but make sure the words you speak you intend and come from your heart. Converse with God with thank-giving and holy requests as well.
The Our Father
“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us for our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
God answers prayer, but does not hear the prayer of the sinner. Repent of your sins and God will hear you. Prayer has been associated with miracles, healing, prophecy, and all aspects of life provided that is it in line with God’s will for your life and walk with Him.