Getting Started with Personal Prayer

Introduction

Every relationship is built on communication. Our relationship with God is no different. Prayer, simply put is our way of talking with God. It’s not about getting the words right or saying the correct thing, but learning to share your heart and hear His. Prayer builds intimacy with God. He wants to hear you and prayer is how we can express that.

Now, there’s so many ways to pray. You can simply talk to God out loud or quietly in your mind. You can read Psalms and use them to guide your prayer. You can silently sit and think or contemplate God in your mind or loudly cry out to God for help.

If you’re looking for a place to get started Pete Grieg and 24/7 Prayers pattern of P.R.A.Y. is helpful.

They key, is to develop a habit or rhythm of consistent, intentional prayer in your daily life. Our encouragement is to keep it simple and keep it up.

Bible reference

“Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

P.R.A.Y.

Pause – sit quietly for a minute, stilling your soul.

Rejoice – read a short Psalm or listen to a worship song.

Ask – Tell God what’s on your heart. Pray through your day. Some people find it useful to make a list of people and situations they have on their heart.

Yield – Read a few verses from the New Testament, until a phrase pops out at you and then talk to God about it. Are there any sins you need to confess? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh.

Amen - Pray the Lord’s Prayer.