Prayer Revolution: A 14-Day DevotionalSýnishorn

How to Pray

As soon as we get down on our knees, we want God to hear and answer our prayers. You may ask, what is effective prayer? How can I pray in such a way as to please God? Where should I focus my prayers? What is the scope of prayer?

These are terrific questions, and Jesus has an answer. He has given us a simple but comprehensive outline for prayer that is filled with promise and purpose. This prayer is a summary of what God’s kingdom is all about and how we can be united to God and participate in His saving purposes in the world. Each petition is packed with implications for each believer, church, and the world we live in.

As you pray this prayer, the words may sound like so phrases related to our spiritual lives. However, as you will see, each petition is rich with various purposes and can be adapted to anyone’s life and situation. This prayer is alive. It is not a matter of repeating words like a ritual. It is a matter of praying for meaning and intent. Pray this prayer thoughtfully, and you will find that the Lord’s Prayer is flexible. Fill the prayer with your questions and needs, and it will wonderfully expand to fit your world. Because this is a prayer Jesus gave, it cannot fail to be heard and answered. 

Each request of Jesus’ prayer contains the promise that God will hear you and will give you specific answers to your prayers. At the same time, the Holy Spirit will be transforming your heart and outlook. From deep within, you will discover your connection to God is growing as well as is your love for others. Two great transformations occur: praying this prayer increases your heart capacity for God and expands your heart for others.

First, the capacity of your heart for God will dramatically increase. The priority of the Lord’s Prayer is the Lord, therefore meaningful and effective prayer begins with a focus on God. His fatherhood, holy name, kingdom, and will are the heart and wellspring of this prayer. Worshiping God, seeking His kingdom, and acting on His commands elevate your prayers into eternal realities.

The central answer to our prayer is God, who is always eager to give Himself to us. Jesus assures those who pray that God will give them the Holy Spirit: “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13). Prayer is the affectionate reaching out of our hearts toward God.

Second, your heart for others will expand when you share Christ’s own passion for His church and His sacrificial love for a lost world. Pray this prayer and you will move from uncaring selfishness to wholehearted intercession. God will lift you from the narrow confines of present urgencies to the majestic vision of a world transformed through answered prayer. Your commitment and resolve to build Christ’s kingdom will deepen. 

Slowly but certainly, you will embody the Lord’s kingdom values and be compelled to carry out His kingdom directives. As He fills you with His Spirit, you will become the salt of the earth and the light of the world that spreads throughout a world in search of answers.