People get tired. Sometimes, we run out of patience or get distracted mid-conversation. But God doesn’t get tired. He actually loves it when we talk to him, bringing our worries before him or inquiring about life. Jesus demonstrates how to pray and warns us how not to pray. What a privilege we have being able to communicate directly with our creator!
Powerful Prayer
God’s word shows us that he allows us to question and vent our frustrations. We also see examples of people praising God and remembering his mighty works. In other words, prayer is simply talking to God. And guess what? He’s the ‘highest boss’ over all creation. It is astounding that God cares to listen and work through our prayers.
Jesus Loved to Pray
A common habit that Jesus had during his ministry was retreating from the crowds of people in order to spend time with his heavenly father. Jesus prayed when he felt thankful, when he felt grieved, before he started his day, and before he made important decisions – the list goes on.
A fun exercise for you to try:
- List the different emotions or situations you experience on a daily basis.
- Check off the things that you often pray about.
- For the things you do not often pray about, challenge yourself for a week to pray more in those areas – whether that’s being thankful, seeking his perspective, or asking for strength.
Freedom of Prayer
The freedom we have to pray came at cost: Jesus on the cross. Because he made a way for us to become right with God, we need to first submit to what Jesus did for us by admitting our faults and seeking God.
You don’t need to be perfect in order to pray. God cares about the heart, not your outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7)
Many of the people who prayed in the Bible came to God in their brokenness. God sees and he has a heart for those who are hurting. (Matthew 11:27-30) Next time you feel frustrated, tell God about your emotions and ask him to help you work through them / to see things his way.
How Not to Pray
- Trying to seem more godly in front of others (Matthew 6:5–8)
- Boasting about your goodness (Luke 18:10-14)
- Neglecting to seek God or asking with the wrong motives (James 4:2-3)
- Not stopping to listen (Proverbs 18:13)
Conclusion
Come as you are before the Lord. He looks at the heart rather than outer appearances as people do. You have freedom to pray according to your preference.
Some of us are not morning people. That’s okay, you don’t need to follow Jesus’ prayer life to a tee. Peter, for example, enjoyed praying in the middle of the day on a rooftop. (Acts 10:9) How do you prefer to pray? What do you pray about most often? Let us encourage each other with truth and love.
Hello, I’m Amenda Wong. With years of professional experience in marketing as a graphic designer, I’ve cultivated a diverse skill set. Beyond my career, I’m passionate about understanding different perspectives and meaningful dialogue. In my spare time, I also enjoy using whatever talents I have to serve my community.