As a Christian, prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God. It's how we communicate with Him, share our hearts, and seek guidance and wisdom. But for beginners, prayer can feel daunting or confusing. Where do you start? What do you say? How often should you pray?
I remember when I was much younger, I had a fear of being called on to pray in public. I remember hearing the older saints of the church that would pray with such power. I miss hearing the thunder prayers of those saints. Many of those older followers of Christ, who I would call prayer warriors, had to start somewhere. Today, I hope that you are encouraged to start at your “somewhere”.
Ultimately, Father God wants to spend time with His children. He desires for us to talk with Him regularly. A couple of weeks ago, I was having lunch with my friend Rob Decker, Pastor of Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville, NC and he said, “You realize in your humility the best posture to pray is to cry out little boy prayers on your knees.” As the importance of prayer begins to grow in your life, please realize that God is your Father and you are His Child. He wants us to come before Him humbly.
My friend Larry Pope, Pastor of Hope River Church in Gibsonville, NC often spends his time alone with God at his house by a chair and a foot stool. He has shared with me before that oftentimes, he will kneel down at the foot stool and talk to Jesus like He is seated in the chair right in front of him.
In this guide, I want to share the importance of prayer in your Christian walk and offer some practical tips for beginners.
Prayer is Essential
First and foremost, prayer is essential because it strengthens our relationship with God. Just like any other relationship, communication is key. By regularly praying and seeking God's presence, we deepen our connection with Him and grow in our faith.
Prayer is Helpful
Prayer also helps us to become more like Christ, as we align our hearts with His will and seek His guidance in our daily lives. Psalm 121:1 says,
"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Because our help comes from the Lord, our source, we should automatically go to Him first with every need. The more we rely on Him and grow closer to Him, the more we will be drawn into an intimate, life-changing relationship with Him.
Prayer is Worship
But prayer isn't just about asking God for things. It's also a time for us to simply be in His presence, worshiping Him and expressing gratitude for all He has done for us. In fact, the Bible encourages us to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Prayer is Practical
So how can you get started with prayer? Here are some practical tips for beginners:
Set aside a specific time each day to pray. This can be in the morning, before bed, or any time that works best for you.
Find a quiet place where you can focus and avoid distractions.
Begin with a simple prayer, thanking God for His love and provision.
Be honest with God and share your heart with Him. He already knows what's on your mind, but He wants you to come to Him with your struggles, fears, and doubts.
Use the Bible as a guide for your prayers. You can pray through a Psalm or use a prayer from the New Testament as a template.
Don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance from others. Seek out a mentor or prayer partner who can support and encourage you in your prayer life.
Prayer is Powerful
Remember, prayer is not just a religious duty or a way to get what we want. It's a powerful tool that can transform our lives and draw us closer to God. As you begin to prioritize prayer in your Christian walk, I pray that you will experience the fullness of God's love and grace in your life.
Keep these important things in mind when it comes to prayer:
Be persistent. Just like any other habit, prayer takes time and consistency to develop. Don't give up if you don't see immediate results. Keep praying and trusting God's timing and plan for your life.
Remember that prayer is a two-way conversation. It's not just about talking to God, but also listening for His voice and guidance. Make space in your prayer time to quiet your mind and listen for His still, small voice.
Be open to God's answers, even if they don't look like what you expect. Sometimes God's answers to our prayers come in unexpected ways or through different people or circumstances. Stay open to His leading and trust that He knows what's best for you.
Don't limit prayer to just your personal life. Pray for your family, friends, community, and the world around you. Ask God to use you as a vessel of His love and to show you how you can be a light in the darkness.
As you make prayer a regular part of your Christian walk, I believe you will begin to see the transformative power it has in your life. You will begin to experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose as you seek God's presence and direction.
Remember, prayer is not just a religious ritual or a way to earn God's favor, but a sacred and intimate way to connect with the Creator of the universe. If you’d like to discuss prayer further or learn more about how you can incorporate prayer more effectively in your life, let’s connect!