Loving God, Loving Others, Making Disciples

Praying Scripturally – part two

Let’s continue to look at some ways the Bible teaches us to pray.

 1. Believe

God wants us to have faith that he will hear our prayers. Jesus said, “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22). The Lord promises to respond to our prayer of faith. 

 2. Pray in the Spirit

Paul tells us to pray at all times in the Spirit. Romans 8:26 reads, “Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” We don’t always know how to pray, and we don’t always feel like praying. Therefore, we need the Spirit’s power to help us pray. 

 3. Be Persistent

Don’t give up if you haven’t received an answer to your prayers. Throughout the Bible there are stories of men and women who persevered in prayer. In Luke 18:1-8 there was a little old widow who did not lose heart. James tells us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

 4. Humble Yourself

Lastly, we are to humble ourselves in prayer. James 4:10 tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt us. This is our proper place before the Lord Almighty. One of my favorite parables about prayer is in Luke 18:9-14, where the Pharisee and tax collector come before God. The Pharisee was proud and boastful, while the tax collector was humble and asked for God’s mercy. We are told that God hears the prayer of the humble. If we humble ourselves in the sight of God, he will lift us up.

 I hope these seven attitudes toward prayer will help you start or rekindle our prayer life. However or whatever you pray, know that Jesus loves you. Let me know how you are doing and I’ll see you Sunday.

 Paul