Christian Discipleship Course 7.

Question and answer: “What is the best way to pray?”

Personally I find that speaking out loud is effective, and to pray lying on my bed is not, especially when I’m tired! Think of prayer as talking to a friend. You usually start with ‘Dear God’... (What ever you want to say here).. and then end ‘in Jesus name, Amen’. (Amen just means ‘So be it’).

Fact: God is listening 24 hours, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 ‘Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus'

It is good to set aside a regular time each day to pray.

You can pray as often as you want to, for short or long periods.

You can pray anywhere, anytime! At school, at home, or at church!

Start by thanking and praising God.

Spend some time being still before God, He may choose to speak to you. You do not have to close your eyes and put your hands together, but it may help you focus.

Think: Do I spend enough time with God every day?

You can pray on your own, or with friends in a group. Prayer comes from your heart so don’t worry if you are not good at speaking.

Wisdom: If your prayers have not been answered ask yourself these questions: Do I have sin in my life? Am I asking with a wrong motive? Has God asked me to do something and I’ve been disobedient? Is it God’s will for me to have that fast car or the latest games console!?

Some prayers are answered quickly, at other times we need to be persistent and it can take years for an answer! Luke 18:1-14. When you come to God, don’t treat Him like a sales’ assistant “I want this and that” etc. We don’t come to God for just what we can get out of Him, as that is like your friend wanting to socialise with you only because you have a big wallet! You hang out with people for their company.

Fact: God is interested in all your problems, needs and concerns.

More Info: Psalm 66:13-20, 105:1-4, Matthew 6:9-13, 7:7,8, John 15:7, Acts 1:14, 4:23-31, Philippians 4:6,7, Hebrews 4:14-16, James 5:14-18, 1 Peter 5:6,7.