Prayer

Communicating With God

praying hands

Why pray?

Prayer is powerful. It activates our faith and strengthens our relationship with God. The habit of prayer helps us to deepen our dependence on him and it shapes our perspective to be more like his. It opens us to what God wants to do in our lives.

There is no skill level or experience required to pray. We all can approach God with our requests, our gratitude, and our concerns knowing that he is capable of doing far more than we could ask or imagine. 

Thank God for who he is in all circumstances.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Pray for greater intimacy with God.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (Ephesians 1:17)

Pray for hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Pray for our leaders (political, pastoral, professional).

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Pray for our community.

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. (Jeremiah 29:7)

Pray for people far from God.

Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)

Pray for unity.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)

Pray for the next generation.

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds. (Psalm 145:4-6)

Prayer is about our posture, not perfection. There is no right way or wrong way to pray. What matters is that we approach God with openness. 

It can help shape your perspective to thank God for what he has done in your life, people he has placed around you, and his provision during challenging circumstances in the past. 

Then, give your requests to God. Ask him for forgiveness. Ask him to fill your needs and the needs of others. God is big enough to meet all of our needs.  

Finally, remind yourself of God’s place in your life. Acknowledge his presence and your dependence on him.  Thank him for his love for you.

folded hands in prayer

Submit a prayer request

Need prayer? Our team would love to pray for you. 

man reading the bible

More Resources

If you would like to find other resources to help you develop spiritual disciplines, visit our Habits page.