As I continue to grow in Christ I want to learn to pray the way Jesus and Scripture teaches. The Bible has a lot to say regarding how to grow a deep and powerful prayer life. You can find examples throughout Scripture of both men and women who walked with God and used the gift of prayer to shape their world. It is my belief that we are able to do the same thing with prayer as well.
I want to share with you 8 essential biblical truths on developing a deeper, more meaningful prayer life.
1. Approach God With Humility.
A powerful example of prayer is found in Luke 18. Jesus shares about two men who went to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector both begin praying to God. The Pharisee was both full of pride and boastful, yet the tax collector was just the opposite. The tax collector was humble ad begged for God’s mercy. Scripture says that God hears the prayers of the humble. If we humble ourselves in the sight of God, God will lift us up.
2. Be Persistent.
This is a struggle for myself. It can be so easy to give up and throw in the towel when asking and waiting for an answer to prayer. The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who persevered in prayer. I am reminded of Luke 18 where the little old widow did not lose heart in asking the judge. James is quick to remind us that the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. We need to be persistent in our prayers with God
3. Pray In The Spirit
One of the attributes of the Holy Spirit is that He is the Spirit of Prayer for the believer. The Apostle Paul reminds us to pray at all times in the Spirit. Romans 8 is a powerful reminder that the Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know what we should pray. The truth is we do not always know how to pray or even have the energy to pray but all the more reason we need the Spirit’s power to move us in prayer.
4. Keep The Faith
Praying and believing do go hand in hand. I love the promose from Matthew 21 that shares that ‘whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you believe”. Jesus wants us to have faith that He will hear our prayers. The book of Hebrews reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and he rewards those who seek him”. We are promises as Christians that the Lord will respond to our prayer of faith.
5. Keep His Commands
“And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him” is a powerful verse from 1 John. It is not that we keep God’s commandments to ‘earn’ our prayer requests. But God honors those who do honor his commandments. Here’s the truth: When we keep his commandments and do what is pleasing to Him, God does promise that he will hear our prayers.
6. Pray God’s Word
Developing a deeper prayer life does include learning to pray both God’s Word but more importantly learning to pray according to Scripture. John 15 teaches that when we abide in Christ, His Word abides in us and then it says this, “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” As God’s Word becomes planted firmly within our hearts, an amazing transformation happens. His desires become our desires. We must make sure that our payers are in line with what the Word of God says.
7. Pray According to God’s Will
We often approach God as if He is Santa Clause, just waiting to give us whatever we ask. The truth is God does not give us everything we ask for regardless of what it might be. 1 John 5 reminds us that “if we ask anything according to His will He hears us”. I like that promise! God will always hear and respond when we pray and ask according to His pleasing and perfect Will.
8. Pray In Jesus’ Name
All prayer must be Christ centered. The New Testament is filled with references that share the essential truth that our prayers must be prayed int he name of Jesus. John 16 say,s “Truly I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” As we develop our prayer life and pray in Jesus Name, God the Father does hear us. He will respond to our prayers when they are offered in the name of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
While I do not make the claim to be an Elijah when I pray it is my heart’s desire to pray in a way that honors God and honors His desires. It is my prayer that you found these 8 essential Biblical truths helpful as you grow in your own prayer walk with Jesus Christ.
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One Response to “Learn To Pray – 8 Essentials To Personal Prayer”
Good stuff, Wade. A friend and I were actually talking about how to pray "strategically" in a way that honors the Lord and trusts Him with the results; this post was helpful in my continuing thoughts about such.