Prayer is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith,
serving as a direct line of communication between you and God. In this beginner's
guide, you will explore the fundamentals of prayer and some practical tips to
help you cultivate a meaningful prayer life.
Understanding the Purpose of Prayer
At its core, prayer is an expression of faith and dependence
on God. It is a way for believers to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and
needs to the Creator of the universe. Through prayer, Christians can seek guidance, find comfort, express gratitude,
and intercede for others, but when
you are a beginner you don’t have to
intercede for others, build yourself in the Lord first.
Finding a Quiet Place for Prayer
Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16),
setting an example for believers to follow. Finding a quiet space free from
distractions can help you focus your thoughts and connect with God more deeply.
Whether it's a dedicated prayer room, a peaceful corner of your home, or a
quiet spot in nature, carve out a space where you can regularly spend time in
prayer.
Belonging to a Muslim family it was very difficult for me to do this. I used to pretend like doing namaz ritual as always and fold my hands and pray to Jesus. Praying out loud was impossible for me. So sometimes I used to lock myself in the room and then do some confessions to rebuke the evil spirits around me. There were days when I went into the bathroom and fell on my knees and cried out loud to the Lord. It was in my graduation days that I developed a strong bond with God and had a growth in spirituality because I stayed in a hostel and there was nobody to stop me from praying. My church friends and senior pastors supported a lot through their prayers.
Praying Out Loud
While silent prayer has its place, praying out loud can be a powerful way to engage your mind, heart, and spirit. Speaking your prayers aloud can help you stay focused and attentive, preventing your thoughts from wandering. Additionally, vocalizing your prayers can foster a sense of intimacy and connection with God, as if you're having a conversation with a trusted friend. When your in a public place and cannot pray out loud call God within your heart and he is always there for you. It's not a rule that one must pray out loud.
When it comes to making confessions in the name of Jesus always speak
out loud or it will not work, because when you are rebuking evil spirits they LISTEN TO YOU and they fear the name of Jesus.
There are many instances in scripture where we read that
someone “cried out to the Lord,” especially during times of stress. Use your voice when you pray. Cry to the
Lord! When we pray “in our head” but not out loud it’s a certain recipe for
sleepiness and struggle. There’s something about praying out loud that awakens
our spirit and reaches the ears of God!
Examples of this are recorded throughout scripture,
including these psalms: “Call upon me” Psalm 50:15; “the righteous cry” Psalm
34:17; “when I cry unto thee” Psalm 56:9.
How to and what to pray
Begin your prayer early in the morning. Fresh up a bit and then come and kneel, bend down your head, find a support like a short table or couch to support your hands, fold your hands. Now begin your prayer by asking God to cleanse you of all your sins and ask him to wash you with his blood. Do your prayer, tell him whatever you want to, ask him whatever kind of help that you require, and in the end seek his guidance and say AMEN. Now make a confession, “In the name of Jesus I cancel every demonic activity being plotted against me, I cover myself, my family, my home and our vehicles with the blood of Jesus”. Say AMEN.
It’s
not a sin to spend less time in prayer because not all of us have the luxury of
time, we all have to rush to college or to work. But in the end of your prayer just
wait for a while, maybe God wants to reveal something to you, or he may also
speak to you in a subtle voice.
When you are a beginner always pray for yourself and don't bother about others. Church always encourages its people to invite new people and to pray for souls. This is not for you, keep it in mind. You are still a seed who has just been planted and you have a long way to go to start praying and interceding for others.
When everyone around you starts coming up with suggestions on how to pray and how to fast, ignore them. You are a new bee, so every other person in church thinks they are super smart and know about God better than anyone else on earth, they start pouring in their advices. Follow only the trusted set of people like your pastor and your trustworthy friend.
Practicing Fervent Prayer
If you are someone who’s experiencing a critical situation, if you feel like you are under a curse, then you must do fervent prayers. Fervent prayer involves praying with passion, intensity, and persistence. It's about pouring out your heart to God with sincerity and earnestness, trusting that He hears and answers prayers according to His will. As James 5:16 reminds us, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Cultivate a fervent prayer life by regularly setting aside time to pray and lifting up your concerns with faith and boldness.
Do some fasting prayers, but learn about how to fast before you begin. Always remember God works and responds according to his will, you cannot force God to do what you want him to do. Just pray and hope he helps and be thankful if he responds or else accept the situation and move on. Life goes on. One problem vanishes another begins. There is always something that we all need God to do for us, there is always a need, so never think of turning away from him. Submit to his will.
Keeping a Prayer Journal
A prayer journal can be a valuable tool for tracking your
prayer life and documenting God's faithfulness. Whether you prefer a
traditional journal or a digital format, recording your prayers allows you to
reflect on God's answers and recognize His hand at work in your life. Consider
jotting down specific prayer requests, answered prayers, and Scripture verses
that resonate with you during your prayer time.
Talking to God as a Friend
Prayer is not meant to be a formal or ritualistic exercise
but rather a heartfelt conversation with God. Approach prayer with authenticity
and honesty, knowing that you can come to God with your joys, sorrows, hopes,
and fears. Share your thoughts and
feelings openly, knowing that God desires to hear from you and to walk
alongside you in every season of life.
Using the Lord's Prayer as a Guide
The Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, provides a
timeless template for prayer that encompasses adoration, submission,
supplication, and forgiveness. As a beginner you can use this prayer.
It goes like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your
name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us
today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
As you become more comfortable with prayer, feel free to add
your own words and expressions while staying grounded in the foundational
elements of the Lord's Prayer.
Pausing to Listen
Prayer is a two-way conversation, and listening is an
essential component of communication with God. After pouring out your heart in
prayer, take time to quiet your mind and listen for God's voice. He may speak
to you through Scripture, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or a still, small
voice in your heart. Be attentive to His leading and trust that He will guide
you in His perfect wisdom and timing.
In conclusion, prayer is a sacred privilege and a vital
spiritual discipline for Christians. By following these foundational principles
and practical tips, you can begin to cultivate a rich and meaningful prayer
life that deepens your relationship with God and strengthens your faith
journey. Remember that prayer is not
about perfection but about relationship—drawing near to the One who loves
you unconditionally and invites you to commune with Him in prayer.
Comments
Post a Comment