How do I Pray?

'Lord, teach us to pray'

The Model Prayer, St. Mathew 6: 5-15, NKJV

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[b] 7 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.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On 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 do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.[c]

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

That request was put to Jesus by his own disciples - which should encourage us if we feel we don't know how to pray. They needed help, and so do we, especially at troubled times such as these.

But there isn't just one right way to pray - what works well for one person may not for another. The following thoughts are offered just as guidelines which may be useful:

* When we pray we come before God with the world on our hearts. We are also offering ourselves to be in some small way channels of love and peace in God's world.

* God already knows what is in our hearts and minds. We can be honest with God, and say exactly how we feel, or even just sit in silence.

* It might help to find a quiet space. You may want to be on your own, but you may also find that it helps to join other people, who may be gathering to pray in local churches, but also in schools, workplaces and elsewhere.

* You may find that you can say just what you want to, using your own words. But many people find it helpful to use written prayers.


Verses from the Psalms

Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and he shall comfort your heart;
Wait patiently for the Lord.
(Psalm 27.17)

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
(Psalm 46.1)

Be still, and know that I am God.
(Psalm 46.10)