Prayer
Prayer
Prayer. It’s something almost everyone has heard of. It’s what we’re “supposed to do” before Thanksgiving dinner or before we go to bed at night. It’s when we bow our heads and close our eyes on Sunday mornings after the sermon. But if we’re being honest, how much do we really know about prayer? Let me just start this blog off by saying, prayer is actually way more than just a quick quoted blessing before supper, or something restricted for only Sunday’s like we sometimes view it. Praying is what we do whenever we want to talk to God! It’s how we can express our thoughts, burdens, and requests to the Father! While it may seem like something we already know all about, I want to give you guys (including myself!) a refresher in this area. In this blog I’m going to be answering the questions: How should I pray? When should I pray? and addressing some lies about prayer. I hope you guys enjoy reading and that you might learn something from it:)
.How Should I Pray?.
When we pray we should talk to Jesus like we would a friend. Tell him about your day, give him your burdens, talk about what’s bothering you. Just like you would a best friend. You might be asking “But doesn’t he already know all of that stuff?” Yes, He does but He still wants us to talk to Him about what’s on our mind. Jesus is the best friend we could ever ask for, so we need to talk to Him and spend time with Him just like we would one of our close friends.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
Matthew 6:7 tells us that we shouldn’t pray using empty phrases, we should share what’s on our mind and heart with Jesus.
Another verse I want to share with y’all is: Romans 12:12
“rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
In other words, be consistent in your prayers. Pray everyday, several times a day. There is no limit to how many times you can pray. I can’t tell you how many times a day I pray! Even if it’s something short like “Thank you!” If He answered my prayer. Or I might say, “Help me with my test” a prayer doesn’t have to be this whole thought out speech! Just say what you’re feeling, and even when you can’t explain, He still knows.
.When Should I Pray?.
There is no certain time that we should pray each day. You can pray anytime of day whether it’s early in the morning or late at night. You can pray while you're in the middle of a crowd, or when you are by yourself. Jesus will always be there to talk to us no matter what time of day.
.Lies About Prayer.
I feel like most people think that you have to close your eyes, bow your head, and fold your hands before you can pray. Growing up we always did those things in church. I was never told that you had to close your eyes and bow your head, I just assumed you had to because that’s just what we always did. I was surprised to learn that you actually don’t have to do those things to pray. You might be in a situation where you can’t close your eyes and bow your head, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pray! There are times in the Bible where people were standing, sitting, kneeling, or raising their arms when they prayed. Nowhere in the Bible does it say you have to close your eyes, bow your head, or fold your hands in your lap to talk to Jesus!
.Last Thing(s) I Want To Leave You With.
I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this blog and that you are able to walk away knowing something new😁
Before I end this blog, I want to leave you with some questions to reflect on!
Do you truly know why you’re praying?
Have you accepted Jesus as your own savior yet? (We talk more about that in this blog!! https://girlsforjesus.mozello.com/blog/params/post/2340759/stop-thinking-of-death-as-the-end ) You could spend all of your time reading your Bible and praying, but without the Holy Spirit living inside of you, you can never A. Go to Heaven to live with Him for eternity or B. Experience God in the most rewarding way and have a personal relationship with Him.
Are you being intentional about praying to Jesus Mon-Sat, not just on Sunday?
In what way will you apply what you’ve learned from this blog to your prayer life?
Do you have any questions a youth pastor, parent, or we could help you with (We’d love to help you get some answers! Our email is girlsforjesus1@gmail.com)? -Aly