If you want to establish and maintain a great relationship with your Lord, you will need to talk with Him (pray) each and every day. And on some days, you'll need to do it several times throughout the day. Bowing your head and saying grace before every meal, and then listening to the minister pray on Sunday mornings, is not enough.

Two important things about prayer:

Basics for Short Prayers (2 minutes or shorter)

  1. Always begin with an attitude of reverence and awe. He is God — not your buddy, not a magic genie, and definitelynot "the big guy upstairs." He is the most Powerful, Loving, Holy, Knowledgeable, Just, and Majestic Being in all the universe!
  2. Place yourself into a position of reverence — bow your head, kneel, or prostrate yourself on the floor.
  3. Praise, worship, and give thanks to Him for all He's done in your life.
  4. Talk to Him about whatever is on your mind and heart.
  5. Finish with praise, worship, and thanksgiving.

Basics for Longer Prayers (5 minutes to a couple of hours)

"Four purposes of prayer every believer must know."

  1. Begin with reverence and awe.
  2. Place yourself into a position of respect.
  3. Praise, worship, and give thanks to Him!
  4. Talk to Him about the needs of others — unsaved family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors, pastors, missionaries, the homeless, your church, your pastor or priest, government officials, evangelists, etc..
  5. Talk to Him about your own needs and desires. Make sure to state, "Thy Will be done."
  6. Take some time (2 to 10 minutes) to be quiet and listen for Him to speak to your heart and mind.
  7. Finish with praise, worship, and thanksgiving.

Let me ask you a few questions: Who is praying for you? Who is praying for the salvation of your unsaved family members? Who is praying for your pastor or priest? Your church? Your spouse? Your children? Missionaries? Local ministries? If not you, then who?

Prayer is the most important aspect of your new Christian life. It is like air to the human body — essential for life and vitality.

I hope this has been informative and helpful. If you have questions or comments, send me an email here!

In His Name,

Roy