Praying Well

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 4:2

What words would you use to describe your prayer life? Would you use words like steadfast, watchful, and thankful? If so, fantastic! You most certainly know the pleasure of unhurried sweet fellowship with your Lord. If not, know that you aren’t alone. Christians don’t just automatically know how to pray well. Mentoring or teaching can help. Practice makes perfect.

If you’re like many believers who struggle to pray steadfastly, watchfully, and thankfully, don’t give up. Try using a little structure to guide your prayers. For example, take the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13. Rather than just quickly reading or reciting it, pray one line and then pray about anything and everything that line brings to mind. Don’t rush and don’t be concerned about bothering God. Then pray the next line and whatever it brings to mind, continuing until you’re all prayed up.

Or, choose a passage of Scripture (the psalms are great for this) and pray through it. Read a line or two, then pray about whatever that brought to your mind, whether it’s a praise, a lament, or a need that you or someone else has. Literally, whatever that line brings to mind. For most people, this is an easy way to pray deeply for quite some time.

Or follow another pattern that helps you organize the things you should pray about. One such patterns is “A-C-T-S”. Begin with ADORATION praising God for who He is. CONFESS any sins you need Him to forgive you for. Give THANKS to God regarding anything and everything for which you are thankful. Conclude with SUPPLICATION – specific requests for others and yourself.

Whatever helps you to pray, use it. Pray! Walk confidently into the throne room of God and ask for His grace and mercy. Know that He delights in your conversation and hears everything you ask of Him. Trust that He knows best how to answer any given prayer, whether that answer is Yes, No, or Keep Praying. #FollowJesus