Biblical Q & A: How should we pray?
In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6)
Prayer: God’s divine connection
Prayer is a daily ritual for most Americans, with a 2014 Pew Research Center survey finding that 55% of adults make time to pray daily. While this spiritual practice is deeply woven into American life, many Christians share a common concern: they're not quite sure if they're approaching prayer the right way. Fortunately, the Bible provides practical guidance on how to develop a meaningful prayer life.
The biblical foundations of prayer
Prayer begins with understanding God’s design. We are pray to the Father (Ephesians 4:6) who is “over all and through all and in all,” in the name of the Son (1 Timothy 2:5), for “there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” and by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26), who “helps us in our weakness... and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
Christ also provided an outline to His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13, which is known as The Lord’s Prayer:
"Our Father who art in heaven" - This opening establishes our relationship with God as both intimate (Father) yet reverent (in heaven). It teaches that using "Our" rather than "My" reminds us we're part of God's family.
"Hallowed be Thy name" - This recognizes God's holiness and our desire for His name to be treated as sacred. It teaches that this sets the priority of worship before requests.
"Thy kingdom come" - This expresses a longing for Christ's return and His sovereign rule, both in our hearts now and in the future millennial kingdom. In fact, the very last request in the Bible, Revelation 22:20, is “…Come, Lord Jesus.” In the Aramaic this is translated “Maranatha.” This concept of the kingdom, I believe, is the unifying theme of the entire Bible.
"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" - This illustrates our complete submission to God's will, expressing a desire for perfect obedience on earth like what would occur in heaven.
"Give us this day our daily bread" - This acknowledges our dependence on God for all our physical needs, while teaching contentment with His daily provision.
"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" - This demonstrates the relationship between receiving God's forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others. Unfortunately, this is easier said then done.
"Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" - This is a plea for spiritual protection and recognition of our vulnerability to sin.
It should be understood that this prayer is not meant to be recited mindlessly but serves as a pattern for how we can approach God in prayer, covering worship, submission, provision, confession, and spiritual protection.
Using A C T S as a guide
The acronym “ACTS” is a contemporary model for prayer.
Adoration:
"Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised" (Psalm 145:3)
Praise God for what He has done and will do. For example, He sent His son as a substitute for our sins. In the future, He promises an eternal abode in His very presence for those who believe.
Confession:
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit" (Psalm 51:17)
James 5:16 states we are to: "…confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed…” We know that God has already forgiven believers, but confession is to ensure accountability, allow support, enable healing and maintain humility. It also realigns our relationship with God.
Thanksgiving:
"Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We often fail in this area, many times because we are not sensitive to God’s answers to our prayers. Luke 17:11-19 shows this common lack of thankfulness, when Jesus asks: "Were not ten cleansed [of leprosy]? Where are the nine?"
Supplication:
"In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6)
In making our requests known, it is important to discern needs from wants. Either is fine but what we’re discussing is a matter of perspective. Additionally, it’s desirable to open up our prayers to the needs of others.
Although many prayers tend to focus on supplication, the goal of “A C T S” is to provide a balance to our prayer life.
Times and places
There are many times and events that evoke prayer, such as:
Morning dedication - Psalm 5:3 states, “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
Evening reflection - Psalm 63:6 states, “when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night.”
Family Integration - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us that "These words...shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children."
Community Prayer - Acts 1:14 emphasizes that "All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer."
In addition to these ordinary times and events, we pray in appreciation for our meals, during times of crisis, and at bedtime. Also, married couples should consider praying together; pray for your marriage and children, and that God would use your family to glorify Him in a world of darkness.
Aside from times and places, prayer should be constant. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are to “Pray without ceasing. “This isn’t just a command—it’s an invitation to continuous communion and awareness of God Himself. In fact, this may be the most critical element of a prayer life: the simple truth that we are connected to God and may be in constant communication with Him.
Discerning answers to prayer
Prayer is essential in the lives of all believers. What is often absent is the recognition that God actually answers prayer. Far too many miss this because their focus is on the ‘prayer of the day’ rather than recognizing how God has answered yesterday’s prayers. It is critical to be sensitive to how God has responded to past prayers and react in thankfulness and obedience.
Conclusion
Prayer isn’t to be a ritual—it’s a relationship. As we align our prayers with biblical patterns, we experience the transformative power of communion with God. Start today by implementing one aspect of biblical prayer, and watch how God deepens your relationship with Him.
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The cure for loneliness is faith, and prayer, the outward expression of faith.