What is a prayer and how do you pray?

I have heard some people say that they set an appointed time in the day for prayer. When I asked someone if he could pray for another person, he responded that it wasn’t his time to pray. For him, there was a specific time set aside for prayer. While it is good to have a dedicated time for prayer, it is interesting to ask: Does God need an appointment for us to pray to Him?

 

1 Thessalonians 5 tells us to “pray without ceasing.” Colossians 4:2 also says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer.” This is a beautiful reminder that communication with God is not bound by time or place. Wherever we are, and whenever we need or want to pray, it is always open. Communication with God is open 24/7.

 

Have you ever remembered something quickly and decided to make a call before you forget? That’s how we can talk to God every moment. God is even more available than that. He hears the silence, the quietness of our hearts. He sees the tears even when words fail. It doesn’t matter what situation you are in—you can talk to God.

 

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6). Prayer is private communion with God. It is not measured by the fluency of words, or by its length, nor by the loudness of your voice. Many people think that strong prayers are loud voices filled with strong emotion. While those can be powerful, even more important is the intent behind our prayers. The sincerity of our hearts and the genuineness of our faith matter most to God.

 

So ask yourself:

Am I praying with the right intention and genuine faith?

Am I praying continually and steadfastly?

Or am I simply going through the motions, fitting prayer into my routine like a task to check off?

 

Let us be consistent in our walk with God through prayer. Be encouraged and strengthened by this truth: the Lord hears your prayers when you pray in His will. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

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