What does the Bible say about prayer? Is there a wrong way to pray? In this post I will help you grow in your understanding of prayer and what God says about prayer.
What Does The Bible Say About Prayer?
The first time that prayer is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis 4:26.
“A son was born to Seth also, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.” Genesis 4:26
These were some of the first generations after the Garden of Eden. Seth’s line of descendants shows us several examples of people who were faithful to God. This stands in contrast to the descendants of Cain whose sinfulness spread to almost the entire earth (Genesis 6:5).
One way to be faithful to God is through prayer. The Bible says that we are called to pray to God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). But what does that look like?
Click here to download my free prayer ebook.
Using Fancy Words To Pray
There is no need to use fancy or eloquent speech when you are praying. If I were to describe my prayers to you I would say that I speak to God in much the way that I speak to a friend. There are times when I come to God laughing and times that I come in tears.
To be completely vulnerable with you there have been moments that I have screamed at God. I can remember sitting in my parked car, pounded on the steering wheel, and just screaming in frustrating and heartache.
I am not saying that you need to scream at God but just that you can go to God in any state. You do not need to bust out a thesaurus or try to use over the top language. God knows who you are. He created you to be this person. So just be yourself when you are talking to God.
“When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words.” Matthew 6:7
You Do Not Have To Know What To Say
In the same way that you do not need to use eloquent words there are times when you do not know what to say at all. That is okay.
When you do not know the words to say the Holy Spirit will intercede. I know there have been many times in my life where my prayer has sounded like, “God, I don’t know what to say I just need help.” It is more than okay to not know what to say. The same God that crafted the heavens and the earth knows what is on your heart.
“In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
What Does The Bible Say About My Posture During Prayer?
Is there a rule that you must sit still with your eyes closed and your head bowed? Do you need to clasp your hands together and should you kneel?
The Bible does not tell us one specific posture that we must take when we pray. Instead the Bible gives several examples of different people taking up different forms of posture during prayer.
People in the Bible bowed to pray (Exodus 4:31) and some stood (1 Kings 8:22). You can pray with your eyes opened or closed. Prayer can be said aloud or quietly. There are no rules that you must follow in your posture. Pray in the way that helps you to feel the closest connection to God.
Personally, I pray when I am doing chores around the house, when I am driving, and sometimes when I am sitting by myself in the quiet. I have prayed on my knees, prayed standing, and prayed laying down. When you go to God in prayer you can take whatever posture you need or want to.
Why Do I Need To Pray?
Prayer is the way that we communicate with God. Just like any relationship that we have if we do not communicate or speak to the other person then the relationship will just fade away.
We pray to help us grow closer to God.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.” John 15:7
Another reason that we pray is because the Lord instructed us to pray. God taught us to pray.
“Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up.” Luke 18:1
“Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18
What The Bible Says About Prayer
The Bible is rich with information about prayer and praying. I hope that you see that you do not need to be intimidated when it comes to prayer. God meets us where we are at. The Lord desires a relationship with us.
Click here to download my free prayer ebook.
For a list of prayers to pray for your children click here.
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