Prayer

I get asked a lot how to pray. I’ve noticed that many people are intimidated by it, which holds them back from talking to God—because that’s essentially all prayer is: a conversation with God. You may feel as if your prayers aren’t good enough, or maybe you’re just not sure what to say. You may think that your prayers have to be scripted or articulated just right, but God doesn’t want vain repetition in our prayers.

Matthew 6:7 (NKJV) says: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

God is not impressed by the length or eloquence of our words. What matters to Him is the sincerity of our emotions poured out before Him. He desires honesty and genuineness. He invites us to be passionate and persistent. He welcomes our lamenting, repenting, praising, and expressions of thankfulness all the same. He seeks our steadfast devotion, our consistency, and our fervency.

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ (‭NKJV‬‬) says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Pray all the time. Pray when you’re sad, angry, ashamed, worried, and anxious. Pray when you’re happy, excited, joyful, grateful, and content. Pray when things aren’t going well. Pray when you mess up. Pray when things are going well. Pray when you succeed. Talk to God. Tell Him you love Him. Tell Him you need Him. Tell him you trust Him.

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ (‭NKJV‬‬)