Understanding How to Pray

by Ester yusufu | 3 October 2019 08:46 am10

One of the first questions people often ask after giving their lives to Jesus Christ is:

“How do I pray?” or “What should I say so that God hears me?”

The good news is this: prayer is not about using perfect words or following a rigid formula. God is not like people who need long explanations to understand us. He is our loving Heavenly Father, and He knows us deeply.

“For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” — Matthew 6:8

This means that even before we speak, God already understands what we need. We don’t need special training to pray—we just need to come to Him sincerely.

Why Prayer Matters

Prayer is a relationship, not a ritual.
It’s not about how long or elegant your words are, but about your connection to God as His child.

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:26
Through prayer, we participate in God’s will on earth.
Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes.

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10

The Model Prayer Jesus Gave (Matthew 6:9–13)

Jesus didn’t leave us guessing. He gave us a pattern for prayer—commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer. Let’s break it down theologically and practically:

1. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”

We begin prayer by recognizing God’s holiness and majesty. He is not only powerful, but personal—a Father who loves us.

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” — John 4:24

2. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

We submit to God’s will, not our own. We don’t just pray for what we want—we pray for what God wants, because His plans are perfect.

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4
“Not My will, but Yours, be done.” — Luke 22:42

3. “Give us this day our daily bread”

This is where we bring our personal needs to God—food, shelter, clothing, work, and opportunities. He cares for every detail of our lives.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

4. “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”

Prayer involves confession and forgiveness. We must ask God to forgive our sins, but also forgive others. Unforgiveness blocks our prayers.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” — 1 John 1:9
“But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” — Matthew 6:15

5. “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”

We ask God to protect us from falling into sin and to shield us from Satan’s attacks. The enemy is real, and spiritual warfare is part of the Christian life.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

6. “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen”

We end by acknowledging God’s sovereignty—He rules over all. Everything we have, everything we need, and all power belongs to Him.

“To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” — 1 Peter 5:11
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” — Revelation 22:13

Don’t focus on using perfect words or the “right” language. God sees your heart. Just make sure your prayer includes:

Honor and praise to God
A desire for His will
Requests for daily needs
A heart of forgiveness
Protection from sin and evil
Thanksgiving and surrender

That’s what real, powerful prayer looks like. Prayer is not performance—it’s a relationship with the living God.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” — James 5:16

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