Praying

I have had many people tell me that they don't know how to pray. Some say they are not good with words, and others have told me they don't know what to say.  In Matthew Chapter 6:5-13 (KJV) Jesus tells us how to pray.

He tells us in these verses not to be like the hypocrites who love to pray standing in places where they can be seen and heard by other people. He also tells us not to use vain repetitions as they do thinking they will be heard for their many words. Jesus says that these hypocrites have their reward. Their reward is any praise or adoration they get from the people they are praying in front of for that very purpose. Now understand, Jesus is not talking about times when it is appropriate for one person to lead a group or congregation in prayer. He is talking about people who pray in public, in a grand way solely to gain the attention, and the admiration of others.

In verse 6 Jesus tells us to pray in private to our Father, and that when we do we will be rewarded openly. He tells us in verse 8 that our Father knows what we need before we ask him, and in verses 9-13 that we should pray after this manner:

"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (KJV)

You can pray the above prayer, and God will hear you, and he knows what your needs are and what is on your heart before you pray. You can also go to God in prayer, and say whatever you want to say to him. Talk to God in your normal manner of speech. There is no need to ever think that you can't pray because you are not good with words, or you don't know what to say. God does not critique prayers based on grammar nor does  He hear only the prayers of eloquent speakers.

Go to God in prayer  whenever it is on your heart to do so. Day or night your Heavenly Father is there for you. He is always happy to hear from one of his children, and you can be certain He is listening. By the way, you can tell Him everything, He loves you unconditionally, He wants what is best for you, and He can be trusted one hundred percent! How beautiful is that?

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, feel free to leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you!