Prayer can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Jesus invites us to do life with Him. Isn’t Jesus like any other friend? And we have no problem talking to them. Well, except Jesus is invisible. Hmmm.

 

Ok, so Jesus is different, but He still invites us to communicate with Him. Today we’ll look at HOW, and tomorrow we’ll dive into WHY.

 

The how of prayer is actually easier than you think. Jesus was not born in England in the 15th century, so you don’t have to use fancy “thees” and “thous” to get your point across. 

 

He’s also not our personal genie. So before you think about trying to get the wording just right in order to manipulate Him into doing your bidding, think again.

 

HOW? Are you ready? Just talk to Him. I found it helpful early on in my relationship with God to have a guide of things I could pray about so it’s not merely, “give me, help me, bless me.”

 

Read Matthew 6:5-15.

 

The example of Jesus’ prayer can be broken down into four parts. They work with the word A.C.T.S.

 

Adoration. Tell God what you think is so amazing. Worship Him.

 

Confession. Come clean before Him. Let Him know where you blew it. 

 

Thanksgiving. Let Him know how grateful you are. Don’t hold back, you have a lot to be thankful for.

 

Supplication. Ok, that’s a big word, but it begins with “S” (ha). It just means to pray for others. Pray for your family, friends, co-workers…and please pray for me, your pastor!

 

Here’s a quick prayer thought, then get to it!

 

Prayer thought:

Dear Jesus, today as I am reminded HOW to pray, give me a burning desire to REMEMBER to pray. Please give me a passion for prayer, the kind of passion that only comes from you. Thank you Jesus.

 

“Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV)