HOW TO PRAY

I. Why Do Many People Have a Hard Time Praying Regularly?

A. It takes real faith to speak regularly to an unseen God  (Heb. 11:1, 27).

B. We wonder why God doesn't answer the way we thing He should.
(Habakkuk 1:1-4).

C. We get apathetic and don't see our need (Is. 43:22)  (Luke 22:45).

D. We get independent and trust in ourselves or in others     (Is.30:1-2).

E. A lack of discipline (1 Tim. 4:7).


II. What Are the Benefits of a Regular Prayer Time? 

A.    A regular time alone with God is where you can be filled with the Holy Spirit, as God fills you with His Spirit the joy and love of God will flood your soul
(John 16:24) (Luke 11:13).

B. A regular time alone with God is where you will find release from anxiety and worry (Phil. 4:6-8).

C. You will find victory over temptation (Luke 22:46).

D. You will be built up in faith (Jude 20).

E. You will find victory in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10-18) (Mark 3:27).

F. You will be helping others (Phil. 1:19) (Rom. 15:30-32) (2 Cor. 1:11).

G. You will get to see His "great and mighty things" (Jer. 33:3).


III. What Should You Pray About?

A. Jesus gave to His disciples a model for prayer.  The most important issues are covered in this simple prayer.  Read this passage  (Matt. 6:9-13).

1. Acknowledge that God is your Father and your ruler who reigns over all in heaven.  "Our Father in heaven"

2. Praise Him in prayer.  "Hallowed be thy name"

3. Acknowledge your desire  for His kingdom and His will to be done in your life. "Your kingdom come, your will be done".

4. Bring your practical needs before Him.  "Our daily bread"

5. Bring your personal need for forgiveness before Him.  "Forgive us"

6. Acknowledge before Him your forgiveness of others.  "As we forgive"

7. Ask God to keep you from temptation.  "lead us not"

8. Acknowledge your belief that His purpose and will reign supreme.  "For yours is the kingdom and power and glory forever"

B. Paul also gives instruction to Timothy on how to pray  (1 Tim. 2:1-3).

1. Supplication: to humbly ask; Prayers, to earnestly ask; Intercession, to ask in favor of another; and Thanksgiving.

IV. A Simple Method

A. First, discipline yourself to a specific time of day for prayer.  This will help you to be consistent.  Example: before you start your day's work, before you study, or while you eat lunch.

B. If you have a difficult time concentrating on what you're praying for, take these steps.

1. Find a place with the least amount of distraction.

2. Make a list of what or who you are praying for.

3. If you need to, pray out loud.
C. So you won’t forget your own need for change, make a list of every area where you are failing.  This helps you to consistently ask God for His grace and help in the areas where you are struggling
(Prov. 28:13) (Ps. 32:5) (Ps. 90:8).

D. So you won’t forget what the Lord has done for you, make a list for answered prayers.  This will help you to be continually thankful, even when things are not going (Ps. 103:1-2).

Hebrews 4:16

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."