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Prayer can help you develop a stronger relationship with God, invite peace into your life, and deepen your faith. [1]
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Expert Source
Olivia Woodford
Holy Bible Expert
Expert Interview. 2 May 2023.
If you're new to prayer or just need some extra guidance, this article is here to help. Read on to learn different ways you can pray, specific prayers you may want to try, and how to enjoy the emotional and spiritual benefits that prayer brings.
Steps
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Know the context of the Lord’s prayer. This prayer is directed toward God; however, Jesus in John 10:30 says “I and my Father are one”. The Lord’s prayer is found in Matthew 5-7. These passages also contain the Sermon on the Mount and Beatitudes (blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted). The sermon on the mount is about the importance of God’s place in the inner life as opposed to doing religion for appearances.
- Jesus condemns the religious officials who have been showing off their righteousness in public.
- Jesus says true righteousness belongs to those who are the lowest: those who mourn, those who are poor, those who are meek, even though they do not give the appearance of righteousness. [2] X Research source
- For example, Jesus says in Matthew 6:5 “Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them."
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Try praying in your room with the door shut. This is one of Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:6 on how to pray. Jesus goes on to say, “And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” Find a room or a private space where you can be alone, and pray to God there. Feel comforted by the presence of God "who sees in secret.”
- This is not the only place you can pray. You can also “pray without ceasing” (wherever you may be you can be prayerful) as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians. [3]
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Expert Source
Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. - Paul also described speaking in tongues as a good way to pray. He said, "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all" 1 Corinthians 14:18.(See also 1 Corinthians 14:2,4-5, and14-15) [4] X Research source
Advertisement - This is not the only place you can pray. You can also “pray without ceasing” (wherever you may be you can be prayerful) as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians. [3]
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Expert Source
Zachary Rainey
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Keep the recitation of the Lord's prayer concise. Jesus in Matthew 6:7 says “When you pray, do not babble repetitiously like the Gentiles, because they think that that by their many words they will be heard.” During this time people may have been praying using certain rituals, recitations, and incantations, but you do not need these to pray to Jesus.
- Additionally, you do not need to talk about your problems when you recite the Lord’s prayer. When you pray in general, or at a different time, you can talk to Jesus about your problems.
- Jesus follows up the previous verse with this warning in verse 8, “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
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Meditate on the Lord’s prayer. [5] X Expert Source Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. You can read the Lord’s prayer out loud or to yourself. Read it slowly so that the meaning of each verse can sink in. Jesus said in Matthew 6:9-13, Pray, then in this way: Our Father who is 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 our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For yours is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.] [6] X Research source- “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” helps you direct your attention to God who is beyond your ability to see or comprehend.
- ”Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” helps you form an attitude of willingness toward taking part in what is being done on earth and engaging with the world around you.
- ”Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” means that you rely on the goodness of God to provide for you the things you need. You also let go of the things that needy people owe to you, thus you should not demand to receive payment. Not forgiving debts of the poor displeases God, for you were forgiven a debt of sin you could never pay.
- “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” could mean different things for different people. Not everyone shares the same things they do that they wish they would not do. However, whatever things you struggle with, ask for God’s help to overcome those things.
- “For yours is the kingdom and power and glory forever” is not found in early manuscripts; however, it can give closure to your prayer and refocus you on the awe inspiring nature of God.
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Talk to Jesus about your anger and difficult emotions. You can use your prayers to Jesus to tell Him about the difficult things that are going on in your life. Praying can be helpful for coping with emotions like frustration and pain. [7] X Expert Source Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. If you can let out your anger during prayer rather than in daily life or in your relationships, then it can become an emotional support that you can use to calm you down. [8] X Research source- When something bad happens to you, for example, you lose your job, you can pray to Jesus to help process your emotions and find relief from your stress. Give your words of frustration, anger or fear over this loss to Him.
- You can use the Psalms as guides in how to pray through hard times. For example, in Psalm 4 the Psalmist asks that God to give him relief for his distress.
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Assure yourself that Jesus loves you. Remember that God made you in His image, and Jesus loves and His Spirit accompanies you on your journey. He wanted you to choose to repent, to seek to please God and acknowledge Him in all you do, just the way you are: Free to choose to follow His plan to be saved. When you are having a hard time loving yourself, remind yourself that Jesus came to this earth and died, in part, because of His great love for you. [9] X Expert Source Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. His grace passes all understanding. [10] X Research source- Remember John 15:11-13: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment,
- 'That you love one another, as I have loved you, and greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,.
- Remember John 15:11-13: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment,
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Understand the difficult things that have happened to you in a new light. In your prayers to Jesus, you have an opportunity to reconsider why things have happened to you. Perhaps when you reconsider your circumstances you will be better able to understand how God could be using something bad in your life for good. [11] X Research source
- For example, although you have lost your job, you have been able to spend a lot more time with your kids.
- Consider the beatitudes. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) says that “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”.
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Concentrate on your connection to Jesus in tough moments. Going to Jesus in prayer when you are going through a hard moment can help shield you from the negative emotions that you are experiencing. For example, if someone you love is sick or in surgery, you may need to take a moment and refocus on Jesus and take comfort in his presence and strength. [12] X Research source
- Although you should use Jesus as a support, continue to support others and allow other people you are with to support you as well. Continue to stay present with your loved ones and share with them the routine, the joy and pain of what they or you are experiencing.
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Think about how Jesus would handle the situation you are in. [13] X Research source It can be helpful to use the model of Jesus and his practices of love and compassionate to help give you the understanding you need to face your life. While you pray about the situations in your life, consider the ways Jesus would respond.
- If you are having difficulty at work with someone who interrupted your career (such as by receiving the promotion you desired/deserved), you can think about Jesus-like responses to the situation. For example, in Luke 6:27, Jesus says “But I say to you who hear,
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you .”
- If you are having difficulty at work with someone who interrupted your career (such as by receiving the promotion you desired/deserved), you can think about Jesus-like responses to the situation. For example, in Luke 6:27, Jesus says “But I say to you who hear,
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Pray daily in a consistent place and at a regular time. Find regular times and places where you can take a break, and take time out to pray. [14] X Expert Source Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. [15] X Expert Source Olivia Woodford
Holy Bible Expert Expert Interview. 2 May 2023. Look for a quiet place in your building at work where you can go to pray during your breaks, for example. Or go into nature to pray, and find a place by a great tree in a park. You can mark off a consistent time in your schedule to go to this place. [16] X Research source- Set a daily alarm to go off in your phone or make a repeating email reminder for yourself.
- Go to the place you do your prayers, and sit there until you are ready to pray.
There is no right or wrong way to pray.
"Oftentimes, when being taught how to pray, you are told to do so with many restrictions. There is no right or wrong way to pray. The whole idea is to just do it and make it a perpetual and sincere affair. I now say my prayers before bed and blessings when I eat. It feels great to have it built into my routine."
- Fran E.
Listen for signs.
"Just be yourself when you pray. This will help you build a relationship with Jesus. Don't get too busy for prayer as it will help lift you up when you're feeling stressed. Listen when you can; He speaks, even just a word or two. He may give you a sign."
- Robert C.
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Take on whatever posture makes you feel comfortable. For instance kneel, fold your arms in front of you, and close your eyes to pray is a suggested posture. [17] X Research source
- Try different postures depending on where you are. For example, if you are praying in a park you might cross your legs, and lay your hands on your knees.
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Express gratitude, and talk to God as He is your Father who cares about you. [18] X Expert Source Olivia Woodford
Holy Bible Expert Expert Interview. 2 May 2023.- Don’t make demands, instead ask for help from your father for guidance, peace, and comfort. [19]
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Expert Source
Olivia Woodford
Holy Bible Expert Expert Interview. 2 May 2023. End the prayer "in the name of Jesus" when you pray to God through Jesus.
- Don’t make demands, instead ask for help from your father for guidance, peace, and comfort. [19]
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Expert Source
Olivia Woodford
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Try letting your thumb and each of your fingers of either hand represent an important part of life that needs attention in prayer. Pray for your family, your teachers, your government officials, the poor, and yourself. [20] X Research source
- The thumb can represent your family and the close relationships that are your supports. It is the most sturdy finger, and that is why it represents the family.
- The index finger, as a pointing finger, can be the finger that represents guidance in your life, or it might stand for those who show you the way and help you. For example, this could be bosses, pastors, teachers, mentors, friends, and even those who provide you health care like your doctors and nurses..
- The middle finger is the tallest finger on your hand, and it can be used to remind you to pray for the people in power in your country and in the world: government officials, world leaders, politicians, etc.
- The ring finger is the weakest finger and therefore may remind you to pray for those who are people who are suffering from poverty and any ailments they do not wish to have.
- The last, smallest finger represents yourself. Don't forget to pray for yourself.
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Experiment with ways to pray that work the best for you. Use objects or play music to help focus you on your prayer. For example, pray while looking at a beautiful painting, if you are a visual person. You can also read a book on prayer or write in a journal. Don’t try to fit yourself into any container of what you think a prayer should be.
- Perhaps you need to be doing something with your hands while you pray. You can use rosary beads and repeat prayers for each bead, or you can doodle flowers in your notebook as you pray. [21] X Research source
- You can also sing your prayers. Doing this is joyful and helps you express your feelings outwardly.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you pray to God properly?Rev. Zachary B. Rainey is an ordained minister with over 40 years of ministry and pastoral practice, including over 10 years as a hospice chaplain. He is a graduate of Northpoint Bible College and a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.A Christian should “pray without ceasing.” You should begin your day with focused prayer, continue to pray in your heart as you perform your activities of the day, and retire to bed with another time of prayer. A conversation with God never ends.
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QuestionWhat is the perfect time to pray?Community AnswerAny time at all! Sometimes it is best to sit in a room on your own where it is peaceful, or when you're in a group of Christians.
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QuestionMy mom raised me Christian, but growing up I had very hard times and I went atheist. How do I get back to Jesus? I feel hopeless.Marta KeyesCommunity AnswerHe never left you. God will not leave you nor forsake you. Start by accepting Him as your Lord and savior. Confess your sins, He is merciful. Read your Bible, and get to know Him more. You will find your real identity through Christ and will feel hope again.
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Tips
- If you aren't sure what to say when you're praying, don't let that stop you from speaking to Jesus. Just say whatever is in your heart.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Whenever you feel scared, just pray to God or Jesus and ask for help. Doing this always make me feel so much better.
- Remember that God loves when people pray from their heart. There is no wrong way to pray.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about spirituality, check out our in-depth interview with Olivia Woodford .
References
- ↑ Olivia Woodford. Holy Bible Expert. Expert Interview. 2 May 2023.
- ↑ https://bible.org/seriespage/18-jesus-prayer-matthew-65-15
- ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019.
- ↑ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A17
- ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019.
- ↑ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:9-13
- ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019.
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0190272510389129
- ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019.
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0190272510389129
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0190272510389129
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0190272510389129
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0190272510389129
- ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019.
- ↑ Olivia Woodford. Holy Bible Expert. Expert Interview. 2 May 2023.
- ↑ https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/learnpray.aspx
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/06/confused-by-how-to-pray-watch-some-examples/?tid=ptv_rellink
- ↑ Olivia Woodford. Holy Bible Expert. Expert Interview. 2 May 2023.
- ↑ Olivia Woodford. Holy Bible Expert. Expert Interview. 2 May 2023.
- ↑ https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/learnpray.aspx
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/06/confused-by-how-to-pray-watch-some-examples/?tid=ptv_rellink
About This Article
Article Summary
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To pray to Jesus, find a time and private place each day to pray, such as a quiet room at work. If you’re struggling to focus, try praying in front of a picture or with music playing in the background. Once you’ve found a good location, kneel, fold your arms in front of you, and close your eyes. During the prayer, speak to God as if he is your father by asking him for advice or guidance, rather than making demands. For example, try talking about things in your life that are angering or frustrating you, like losing your job. You should also remember to pray for other people, such as your family, friends, or the poor. At the end of your prayer, conclude in the name of Jesus, since you pray through Jesus to God. For tips on how to say the Lord’s Prayer, keep reading!
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"Oftentimes, when being taught how to pray, you are told to do so with many restrictions. There is no right or wrong way to pray. The whole idea is to just do it and make it a perpetual and sincere affair. I now say my prayers before bed and blessings when I eat. It feels great to have it built into my routine."
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"This helped a lot because I actually didn't know how to pray and how to ask help from Jesus. Now I know how to pray even better and I know what the signs of each finger mean!! Thank you so much, it's very helpful I hope anyone seeing this will follow these ways of praying. I love you all and God bless you!"
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