How Do I Pray?

As I’ve grown spiritually over the years, my practices and spirituality have changed. However, learning how to pray still needs much improvement. As a young child, I recall praying for a new pair of roller skates, and as a teenager to pass my school exams. However, as an adult, my prayers at times grew desperate or I made agreements with God. “Hey Lord, if you do this, I’ll do that!” However, prayer bridges a venue for us to communicate with God but also allows us to interiorly listen. God’s voice in my life has not been audible but I hear him differently in situations in my life, materials that I read, or his manifestation in conversations with others.  Where do we begin when we feel our prayers fall short and what spiritual lessons can be learned? First, we must believe in what we are praying for, and second, we should consider practicing humility when we pray.

Believe In Your Prayer

Recall the story where Jesus was hungry as he is leaving Bethany (Luke 11:12-26). Shockingly he cursed the fig tree for not bearing any fruit! As the disciples saw the withered tree the next day, Jesus answered, “Have faith in God”.  He explained that if anyone says to throw a mountain into the sea and believes it will happen, it will be done. Teaching them further, he encourages the disciples that whatever they ask for in prayer, BELIEVE that they have received it, and it will be yours. Let us not forget that God does not grant our prayers if He believes our requests are not in our best interest. God’s answer is separate from our belief and faith. I’ve learned not to go into prayer with a defeatist attitude but with hope and trust that He will grant what is best for me in my life. Go into prayer with the hope that it will come to fruition. If I receive an unexpected or undesirable answer, I must believe that this was in my best interest and then move on. If I claim to believe in Christ and his promises, I must believe even when the answer doesn’t make sense, is unclear, or if it’s not what I want. Additionally, Jesus ties in forgiving others so that God the Father may forgive you (verse 26). Peace and humility go hand in hand with forgiving others and yourself.

Prayer and Humility

How does one cultivate an attitude of humility when praying? A great example is Mary’s Song in Luke 1:46 – 56. Mary is visiting Elizabeth and glorifies God believing that she has been chosen, (in her humility), to bring hope for generations to come. Despite her fear, she had great faith and, in her humility, gave thanks to God for what she will undergo. Prayer requires humility and obedience even if we’ve decided what is best. Another way to practice humility while praying is to be considerate of others and their needs before your own. If someone asks you to pray for them, do it! Consider being intentional and bring their concerns to God before your needs. Be generous in your time with God and think of the spiritual impact you will make in the lives of others practicing generosity. Last, begin your prayers thanking God before you ask. Thank him for your health, your relationships, your pets, and anything that can be taken away from you in an instant!

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”