Do you know how to pray?
Most people in America ask for stuff – not really expecting an answer.
It’s common to pray for something – all the while expecting to do it or get it yourself. They ask for a miracle, fully believing they’ll never see one.
That’s not prayer. It’s a waste of time. Read James 4.
Don’t pray because you think He can help you get something that you have no right to – like someone taller than you grabbing an object that isn’t yours from the tippy-top shelf.
You get what you pray for when you ask for things that help you to accomplish the work He’s given you to do.
So here is Biblically how to pray in order get exactly what you prayed for.
#1 – Know His Word – Read Psalm 119.
Knowing His Word benefits you in every way. Through the Bible you can know who He is and what He’s done. You can know His will and His direction for your life, gain insight and wisdom, encouragement and strength.
Most of all, you can know what He wants for you, and that teaches you what to pray.
#2 – Listen to His Voice – My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
You’ve heard of “that still small voice” right? You know, the one that tells you to stop right before you disobey. The one that directs you to help someone, or to keep your mouth shut.
Listening to His voice can always be improved. You’ll be surprised at how clearly you can know His will. Be still and know that I Am God. Psalm 45:10
#3 – Obey His Word and Follow Him, Doing His Will – Read Romans 12.
This may be easier said than done. Most of us avoid murder, but don’t pay attention to our words, attitudes, and even thoughts. Do you act in anger? That’s sin. Do you talk about other’s problems? That’s sin. Do you work obsessively to gain the things you want but don’t need? That’s sin. Do you make decisions that may hurt others, so you can avoid being hurt? That’s sin.
Think about the things that always trip you up.
#4 – Pray For the Right Things – Read James 4, or James 1:5-8
Pray for things that help you to do His will. Pray for others in the same manner. Pray for your church leaders, your church body, your local community, your nation and also your world.
Pray for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
#5 – Walk in Faith
After you pray, don’t wait to see if it happens or not. Go about your day acting as if it is now happening and you are simply waiting for the big reveal.
I will be writing more about prayer in the weeks to come, but this will get us started.
I’m learning so much from the Word right now about what we’ve been given by our Father in heaven – that we just don’t use.
So talk to Him today.
Read His Word.
Obey Him.
Listen for His voice.
Pray.
Then walk in the Truth He’s given you.
DON’T DOUBT.
Use the faith He’s given you.
Happy praying!
James and Cindi Runyon 