We know that our beloved Lord Jesus Christ left us a perfect prayer model in Matthew 6:9. However one of the most frequent complaints I hear in people as they come to Christ is “I don’t know how to pray” or “I don’t know what to pray for” and that is why today we are going to talk about our prayer life.
What is prayer? To pray is to put yourself; mentally, and emotionally, before the presence of God. It is our way of communication with the Almighty God! In essence it is talking to him! Praying is not just doing vain repetitions; but instead it is a full spiritual, emotional, and intellectual connection.
“What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” I Corinthians 14:15 NKJV
Prayer is not merely a spiritual practice, but it is also intellectual; and this is why we must be fully intentional about our prayer life.
Some questions come to mind:
How long should I pray for? Any time is better than nothing. However; when we look at the Word of God, Jesus’ recommendation (is not a law) was to pray at least 1 hour.
“Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:37-38 NKJV
Where? In the biblical times the Bible makes reference numerous times that Jesus went to pray to the mountain. Mark 6:46, Luke 6:12, and Mathew 14:23 to name a few. When the Bible says he went to the mountain to pray is referring to the act of going in solitude, in silence, in the secret place to seek intimacy with the father.
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6 NKJV
However we must realize we can pray everywhere and depending on our circumstances we may need to pray in the most awkward places.
How to pray? Why pray?
Types of prayer
- The prayer of repentance – In all of Psalms chapter 51, King David shares with us his prayer of repentance. Recognizing his sin and calling out to God for his forgiveness. “Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.” Psalms 51:4 NKJV
- Intercessory prayer – This is the prayer that where we think about others and present their needs to God.
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,” Philippians 1:3-4 NKJV - Prayer of intimacy in private – Our prayer in the secret place.
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6 NKJV - Prayer at all times – It is exactly what it says. Wherever we go, in our minds and in our hearts keep a continuous connection with the Lord.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17