Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life. Through prayer, we communicate with God, build our relationship with Him, and align our will with His. The Bible provides guidance on how to pray effectively. Here is an overview of the proper way to pray according to biblical principles:
Pray with the Right Motives
Our motives matter to God. We should not pray just to be seen by others or to try to manipulate God. Rather, we pray because we want to draw near to God, seek His will, and align ourselves with His purposes. As Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6). Pray with pure motivations, desiring to connect with God.
Pray in Jesus’ Name
We come before God not based on our own merit but because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus said, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13-14). Praying in Jesus’ name means we approach God because of what Jesus did for us, not based on our own worthiness. It honors Christ as our mediator.
Pray with Humility
Come before God with humility, acknowledging He is holy and we are sinful people in need of grace. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). Pray honestly about your struggles and with a willingness to align your heart with God’s will, not the other way around.
Pray with Thanksgiving
Begin prayer with gratitude for who God is and what He has done. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Thank Him forHis love, mercy, and forgiveness. Cultivate an attitude of thankfulness.
Pray Specifically
While we can pray broad prayers, God also invites us to pray about the specifics weighing on our hearts. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6). Share your particular concerns and needs with God. Ask and you will receive.
Pray Persistently
Keep praying even when answers don’t seem immediate. Jesus told a parable “to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). God works on His timeline, so persist in prayer. “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:7-8). Keep bringing your requests to God.
Pray with Faith
Have faith that God hears and answers prayer according to His will. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). While God may not grant our exact requests, He promises to hear us and work for our good. Approach God with confident faith.
Pray to Align Your Heart with God’s
The ultimate purpose of prayer is intimacy with God and conforming to His heart. Talk to God about aligning your thoughts, desires, and perspectives with His truth. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15). Pray for His will to be done in your life.
Pray with Expectancy
Pray expecting God to work and move in our lives, relationships, and world. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” (Mark 11:23). Come before God with hopeful expectancy that He will answer prayer according to His powerful purposes.
Pray with Other Believers
In addition to personal prayer, pray together with other Christians. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Make community prayer a habit. It encourages unity and joins our voices in petitioning God together.
Pray Using Scripture
Pray God’s Word back to Him. The Holy Spirit will lead us to biblical texts that we can incorporate into our prayers and remind us of God’s truth and promises. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). Let the Word of God inform and inspire our prayer life.
Pray Continually
Pray at all times, not just during set prayer times. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Cultivate an ongoing conversation with God throughout your day. Seek His guidance for the small and large decisions you make moment to moment.
Pray in Solitude
In addition to group prayer, make time for solitary, intimate prayer. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). There is power in shutting out distractions, quieting your heart, and simply being in God’s presence.
Pray for Others
Bring the needs of others before God in intercessory prayer. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Pray for friends, family, leaders, strangers – anyone God brings to mind.
Pray with Forgiveness
Come before God having first forgiven those who have offended you so nothing hinders your prayers. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25). God desires us to be united in love, which affects our communication with Him.
Pray in the Holy Spirit’s Power
Rely on the Holy Spirit within you to help you pray according to God’s will. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26). Yield to His leading and nudging as you pray.
Pray Simply and Sincerely
Prayer doesn’t have to be complex. Have a conversation with your Heavenly Father. “When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7). Simplicity and sincerity is what matters. Speak from your heart.
Pray Boldly
God invites us to boldly approach His throne of grace to find help in time of need. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). Be authentic and transparent, coming boldly before your loving Father.
Pray with Passion
Prayer should be heartfelt and sincere. Jesus was passionate and earnest in prayer. “‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.'” (Mark 14:36). Pour out your real thoughts and emotions to God. He can handle them.
Pray in Agreement with God’s Character
The way we perceive and relate to God will shape our prayers. Be grounded in biblical truth about God’s loving, wise and powerful character. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14). Pray in line with who He is.
Pray with Clean Hands and a Pure Heart
Sin blocks our relationship with God, so confess any hidden sins before praying. “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). God desires integrity between our public prayers and private life. Maintain a clear conscience.
Pray Without Ceasing
Keep praying consistently, not just when we have requests. “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Like any relationship, prayer requires regular communication and connection. Set aside time each day to speak with God.
Pray in Dependence on God
Ultimately, effective prayer relies on God. He invites us to pray, provides access through Jesus, empowers us through His Spirit, and works out His redemptive story. “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Pray in reliance on Him, not yourself.
Pray Seeking God’s Will Above Your Own
As we pray, submit your requests to God’s sovereign, perfect will, not your own. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14). Seek God’s desires first, trusting that His plans are best because He knows all.
Pray with Trust in God’s Promises
Stand on God’s faithful promises when you pray. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). He is reliable to answer according to His Word and character.
Pray with Patience
Wait patiently on God’s timing and trust that He is at work even when you cannot perceive it. “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). God may work instantly, slowly, or in unexpected ways. But stay patiently hopeful.
Pray with Awareness of Spiritual Warfare
Recognize that prayer engages us in spiritual battles. Put on God’s armor by praying at all times. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18). Persist strongly in prayer.
Pray in Jesus’ Name
Conclude your prayers just as Jesus taught: in His name. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13). This seals your prayers with Christ’s power and authority as the Son of God.
In summary, pray with pure motivations, humility, thanksgiving, persistence, faith, unity with other believers, use of Scripture, expectancy, continuance, intimacy, intercession, forgiveness, Holy Spirit empowerment, simplicity, boldness, passion, in line with God’s character, with integrity, regularly, in dependence on God, seeking God’s will first, trusting in God’s promises, patience, awareness of spiritual warfare, and in the powerful name of Jesus. As we bring our hearts before God according to biblical principles, we can have confidence He hears and answers prayer.
