How to Pray

HOW TO PRAY

The question has been often ask, “how am I supposed to pray?” To this there is no certain answer, just as there is no set standard to the humbling oneself in talking to our Father in heaven. With exception of a few guidelines relative to mental preparation and manner of self awareness, Jesus taught simplicity in prayer. He said to, keep it short, precise, to the point, believe earnestly and in His name. The who, what, when, why, and how are covered in scripture.

Matthew 6:5-13 “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:6-7 Indicates that we should get away from distractions and repetition and keep faith. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”(Jude 1:20) “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray without ceasing. ”Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses”

Matthew 21:22 “… and all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Luke 21:36 “...pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Focusing on the promises of God. leads us to be in a “prayed up” condition always. Then when life takes a turn for the bad, we are prepared.

Isaiah 38: 1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, 3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 4 Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”

Jesus set the example while in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Luke 22: 41 “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,”

The final suggestion is to pray always in your heart, never failing, least temptation come and catch you unaware. Jesus prayed as we should. Know God, know peace. Amen. 02-05-2020 BLL