How should I pray?

POSTED | Rev. Gordon Williams

How should I pray? The Lord's Prayer

After watching Jesus pray, one of his disciples asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples” (Lk. 11:1). He probably noticed that Jesus often prayed when he was alone. For some mysterious reason he never prayed with His disciples for any length of time. And so His disciples thought that maybe John’s disciples knew something more about prayer. Perhaps they knew how to pray better than Jesus’ disciples.

Even then, Jesus just gave him a very short prayer lesson. He said, “When you pray say: “Our Father, hallowed by thy name; Thy kingdom come; Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us and lead in to temptation” (Matt. 6:9). Many would think that the Lord's Prayer is too simple. There are many books written by experts telling us how to pray the right way… But maybe, just maybe, can they be all wrong?

Firstly, the Lord's Prayer is an example where Jesus is expressing to His disciples to keep their prayers simple. Secondly, what they didn’t seem to understand was that just simply talking to Him was a prayer. Prayer is as simple as going to a friend at midnight and asking for the loan of three loaves of bread (Lk. 11:5–13). We can approach our Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus our Saviour in the same manner. Elaborate or fancy words will not give you more favour and can make prayer complicated. That is why so many people tend to shy away from praying.

When you pray, just use your own words to tell Jesus what your needs are and He will hear you (Phil. 4:19). Jesus always answers prayer (Jn. 14:4; 15:16; 16:23-24). Think of prayer as talking to a friend who loves you. When you pray, remember to keep it simple, using your own words. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you; …for everyone who asks receives… If you being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to them who ask Him?” (Matt. 6:7;11).

If you, your family and/or friends would like to receive either Salvation, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, a Gift of the Holy Spirit, Healing, Deliverance, etc., I invite you come to one of our house meetings or contact me. May God bless you richly with His Spirit!

Yours in Jesus,

Back to News