The Basics of Prayer

Jesus gave the disciples an example of the sort of things we should be saying when we pray. It is the perfect example of prayer, and it will never be bettered, because it was given by the Lord Himself.

Our Father who is in heaven
Hollowed be Your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us each day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us from temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom the power and the glory
For ever and ever
Amen

We do not need to say the prayer word for word, but it can be used as the perfect model for our prayers

Another useful aid to prayer is using the fingers of one hand as a reminder of the things that we should be praying for.

Thumb - This is the most important "finger" and so reminds us that we should start with that which is most important; God. We should start by praising God, just as the Lords prayer does.

Pointing finger - This finger should point directly to ourselves. We should confess those things which we have done wrong and ask God for forgiveness and for help to live according to His will.

Long finger - This represents the long list of things that we should be thankful for. We should always thank God for what He does for us.

Ring finger - Represents other people. We need to pray for other people.

Little finger - This is where we can ask for things for ourselves.

It is possible to pray at any time.

Although the advice above can help you pray a structured prayer, praying also can be very unstructured. You can literally talk to God about anything at any time.

Some prayers can be very short. For instance if my wife is about to drive somewhere I will often pray; "Lord please protect her and keep her safe."
Other times I might pray a blessing on somebody I just met, or I might pray for something for myself; "Lord, please let us have fine weather for our day out tomorrow"

Other times I might pray for a lot longer. For instance when I have a quiet time with God.

The apostle Paul suggests that we should pray without ceasing. That doesn't mean that we pray forever and do nothing else, but it does mean that we should be walking with God and involving Him in everything that we do.

It is fine to talk to God about your car, your computer and any other mundane thing that you think God wouldn't be interested in.

God Is Interested!