How To Pray More Effectively Sample

Relax and Talk 

Jesus instructed us in how to pray by giving us the Lord's Prayer. This prayer begins with "Our Father," which means there is intimacy. What follows is, "Who art in heaven," which means there is also transcendence and majesty. 

Intimacy, transcendence, and majesty are three things that need to be present in a prayer life that is going to grow. Many get the majesty part of it but do not understand the intimacy part of prayer. Prayer is not only talking to God who is in heaven; through prayer there is also intimacy with Him. It's a relationship that grows. 

One of the ways for your prayer life to become more of what God wants it to be is to relax. What you're doing when you're praying is talking to God, so relax and talk to Him. There are a lot of common phrases we have all heard people pray in churches. You may listen to people say beautiful and formal prayers at your church, but don't let that intimidate you. You don't have to repeat prayers like that. All you need to do is talk to God. Relax and begin to talk to your Heavenly Father. 

The Scriptures address the fact that we don't always know what we ought to pray. In the book of Romans, Paul says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." A lot of what prayer is, is merely trying to get out whatever is in your heart before God. And it's comforting to know that God has no problem discerning what you can't fully express. 

I encourage you to talk to God. He is not only ready to cover you when you have no idea what to say, but He is also prepared to listen to your groans. He is ready to hear your thoughts. This is a relationship with Him. How weird would it be if you arrived home and spoke formally to your spouse? Or talked to your parents using repetitive, formal phrases? God is your Father in heaven, which speaks not only of His sovereignty but of His Majesty. Approach Him in a way that honors Him. But also in a way where you feel comfortable and relaxed, ready to tell him exactly what you're thinking in unfiltered ways, knowing that He is patient with you.