Prayer is expressing yourself to God. Use your own words. Prayer doesn't need to he formal or "churchy", just honest, heartfelt communication to God your Father. Remember, He loves to hear from you.
We have more reasons to praise God than our hearts can express. But we can make a start. Begin by expressing what is in your heart in appreciation to God. State specific things for which you are thankful. Be thankful that He accepted you as His son. Imagine the best possible relationship between a father and a son. More than any natural father could love and care for his son, God loves you! (Matthew 7:9-12)
Don't be embarrassed by silence .... you may want to just wait in God's presence as he fills your mind and heart.
Most of us know when we mess up. Look inside yourself for a time of self evaluation. Admit to God attitudes, actions and words that have offended or displeased Him. He knows these things already, but He wants us to willingly and openly turn away form them and turn back to Him. Read a promise of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9
Identify one Godly characteristic you what to see the Lord develop in you. Look up Galatians 5:22- 23. Seek love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Ask God to help change you.
Praying for others is called intercession. It literally means going to God on behalf of another. Pray these thoughts, then add some on your own.
Pray for growth in your understanding of the Lord and His word, for wisdom in your interpersonal relationships, for help in your work.
If you're married, pray for your wife, her security and well being, her joy and happiness, and her relationship with you. Ask God to fulfill her life and grant her desires.
If you're a father, pray for your children. As you express your desires for them include some of these ideas: their understanding of God's love for them, their safety, good friends for them, communication with you and their mother, and the specific challenges of their lives.
Single men, you have a special freedom to be concerned about the Lords affairs ( see I Corinthians 7:32 ). Ask Him today to guide you to a special responsibility. Request protection to keep you from sexual sin. Pray for clarity in all your relationships - in the church, socially, and in the marketplace.
What other needs do you want to share with the Lord?
Ask God to guide you by his Spirit, who is within you. As He leads, you can be an encouragement to someone in need. Ask God to show you your opportunity. Ask God to put one friend on your mind that you can share your testimony and the Word of God with.
Share concerns you have about people who are your friends.
Pray for vitality in your church and in other churches. Pray for respect and love among brothers in Christ. Pray for people living under oppression around the word. Ask God to sustain those suffering for their faith. Pray for our country, its leaders, and the issues we face.
Thank God for His love and care for you. Express your confidence in His ability and willingness to answer your prayers. Ask God to empower you to live a life that pleases Him. A life of Integrity.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16 NIV
Excerpted with permission from the Promise Keepers book "A Man of His Word"
Page design by Simon Peter Ministries.
Page last updated: 20th January 1999