Praying Like Jesusنموونە

Day 1: What Is Prayer?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer is the lifeline of our relationship with God. It’s not a ritual or a formula; it’s an invitation to communion with the Creator of the universe. Jesus modeled this beautifully during His time on earth, often retreating to quiet places to speak with the Father. Through prayer, He demonstrated a profound connection rooted in trust, intimacy, and surrender.

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us not only to pray but also how to approach prayer. The disciples saw Jesus praying and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). They understood His prayers were different; they were authentic, powerful, and purposeful. Jesus responded with the Lord’s Prayer, a template that guides us in aligning our hearts with God’s will.

To understand prayer, we must first grasp that, at its core, it is communication with God. It’s not about eloquent words in a perfect setting. Prayer is an honest conversation where we express our praise, confess our sins, ask for help, and surrender to God’s will. It is a sacred exchange that transforms us as we encounter His presence.

One helpful way to structure our prayers is to utilize the PRAY model:

• Praise: Begin by acknowledging God. His greatness, faithfulness, and love are worthy of awe and praise. Jesus starts with “hallowed be Your name,” showing reverence and adoration for the Father.
• Repent: Confess your sins, seek forgiveness, and return your heart to God. Prayer is a place of restoration.
• Ask: Bring your needs and desires to God, trusting He cares deeply for you. Jesus encourages us to ask for what we need and seek His guidance.
• Yield: End your prayer by surrendering to God’s will and listen to His response. Jesus prayed, “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10), reminding us that His plans are higher than ours. We can align ourselves with Him when we sit in His presence and yield time to Him.

As you pray today, remember that God longs to hear from you. Approach Him as your loving Father, pour out your heart, and listen for His gentle voice. Prayer is not just an action; it’s a posture of dependence, gratitude, and faith.