Learning to Pray

The National Day of Prayer is the first Thursday of May. Use it to move your prayer life forward.

By Shelley Comer

Prayer is a gift from God. It allows us to commune with Him directly. To bring our deepest heart needs and greatest joys to the Father. 

Prayer is also hard. We struggle to find time to pray. When we find time, the words elude us or sleep overwhelms us.

If prayer doesn’t come naturally to you, take heart. You’re not alone. It’s often difficult to find the time, words, or energy to pray well.

While I’ve not got it all figured out, I’m learning. Each day, I trust God to grow my prayer life. And I encourage you to use the National Day of Prayer to do the same. 

My prayer journey has been guided by the Word and Word-based teaching. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot. Here are a few basics.

In Jesus’s Name

Effective prayer is addressed to the Father, in the name of Jesus (John 16:23). We don’t pray to a God of our imagination. We don’t pray to a God who might be out there somewhere. We pray to the God of the Bible, the God who created all things and sustains all things. And when we pray to the Father, we do so through His Son, who intercedes for us. 

I Believe, Help My Unbelief 

When you pray, pray in faith. Believe the Lord will answer your prayer and provide. Believe even before you receive (Mark 11:24). Believe in the Lord for your answer. Luke 8:15 reads, “And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the Word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.” Continually trust in the Lord to make every provision on your behalf, for He will never leave you or forsake you (Deut 31:6).

Speak, Lord, Your Servant Is Listening

Prayer isn’t a one-way street. God talks back if you have ears to hear. As you pray, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It may be difficult to discern at times. But work at it. It’s worth it. When you do, the Spirit may guide your prayer in a new direction. Or He may offer calm confidence that your prayers are heard and He’s at work in and through you.

Remember Your Word

Struggling to find the words to pray? Pray the Bible. Find verses that support your prayer request and stand on them. Throughout the Psalms, godly men reminded God of His promises. They begged Him to remember His word to His people and to act on them. You can do the same. No, you’re not trying to strongarm God into acting. You’ll never succeed at that. However, the Bible tells us that prayer is effective. By praying the Bible, you remember His promises and find comfort there. You also develop knowledge of the Word, causing your prayer life and faith to expand.

Fundamental Truths for Advanced Prayer

Prayer shouldn’t be complicated. There’s no secret formula that ensures God will listen to you. Remember, God is our Father, and He loves His children. He wants us to come to Him with our praise and petitions. This year, on the National Day of Prayer, take advantage of this. Run to our good Father and pour out your heart. Your prayer life and the rest of your life will never be the same.