How Does the Bible Say We Should Pray to God?
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Over the years, I’ve prayed to God in various ways, including prayer journaling, using the ACTS approach (Adoration, Confession, and Sanctification), praying aloud, prayer walking, etc. Trying new ways to pray helps grow our faith, but does the Bible say if there’s a particular way we should pray to God?
Does the Bible Say How Often We Should Pray to God?
The Bible does not say how often we should pray to God per se, but it offers wisdom in cultivating a vibrant prayer life.
In Thessalonians 5:17, we’re told to pray without ceasing, but how do we live this out, practically speaking? To pray without ceasing doesn’t mean we walk around praying aloud wherever we go, but it does mean that we embrace the reality of God being with us and in us as we walk through our day.
This recognition produces a mindset that sees beyond the physical aspects of life. God is with us, hears us, and acts on our requests as He sees fit. Confidence in these truths allows us to pray where others see only obstacles.
Some examples of praying without ceasing might include asking God for wisdom on a difficult task at work while sitting at our desk or in the middle of a meeting. Or maybe, praying for a stranger, lonely student, or child’s future during a diaper change.
Who can forget the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-7? The Greek verb for “pray” is in the present tense, which means Jesus told them to pray as a habit, a way of life. It’s interesting to note that the scripture passages relating to praying without ceasing use the present imperative (not a suggestion but a command) or present tense (a continuous action or lifestyle).
Paul, the author of Thessalonians, knew what it meant to pray to God continually for the saints. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2, he tells the church of the Thessalonians that he, Silas, and Timothy constantly mention them in prayer. (Imagine how knowing this encouraged and fortified their faith.)
Daniel also set an example of praying continually by praying daily despite the risks involved. Daniel 6:10 says he continued to kneel on his knees thrice daily. Prayer was a way of life for him, even to the point of death if necessary.
In Nehemiah 2:1, King Artaxerxes asked Nehemiah, his cupbearer, why he was sad. Though afraid, he explained how the city of his ancestors was buried in ruins, to which the king responded, “What is it you want?” At that moment, face to face with the king, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven for an answer. Cushioned between the king’s question to Nehemiah and Nehemiah’s response to the king, there was what I refer to as a “breath prayer”—a quick, robust prayer. Nehemiah’s “breath prayer” power wasn’t created when standing before the king but rather from a four-month reservoir of prayer and patience (Nehemiah 1-2:2).
This type of reservoir requires intentional time set aside for God regularly. It’s when we drink deeply from the well of truth through prayer, repentance, and reading and meditating on scripture. Then, as we go about our day, we pull from that reservoir by continuing to converse with God.
And on those days when we can’t drink deeply (we all have them), we refuse to allow guilt or shame to hijack the delight of prayer. We keep on praying because prayer isn’t about methods or formalities. It is about cultivating a relationship with the one true Living God.
Martin Luther penned it perfectly in Table Talk: “Prayer isn’t a performance, but a climbing up to the heart of God.”
Does the Bible Say How We Should Pray to God?
In Luke 11:1, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray (not how to pray). It’s a subtle but crucial difference because sometimes the “how to” trips us up, robbing the joy in prayer. Maybe we feel we’re not praying correctly or in a way that pleases Jesus, so we stop praying altogether or make the prayer as brief as possible. Jesus, however, left freedom in the “how to.” So, when we pray, we focus on God, not what we do. He left freedom to pray to God as the Holy Spirit leads.
In Ephesians 6:18, Paul tells us to “pray at all times in the Spirit,” which means to pray with His help, to welcome His guidance as He leads us into praying according to God’s will. Yes, we ask and pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests,” but we do so with a heart readied to “hear,” receive, and obey God. Like the disciples, we can ask God for help showing us what praying in His Spirit means. No one enjoys helping us understand God’s Word and His ways more than the Holy Spirit. It is His superpower.
Should We Give Praise When We Pray to God?
We should give praise when we pray to God because He is worthy of praise and honor, and glory (Revelation 4:11). Starting our prayer time with praise is a good idea because it sets the tone by laying the foundation for everything else. God is the focus; we are not. His kingdom is the focus; ours is not. His glory is the focus; ours is not.
Psalm 103:1-5 reveals specific reasons why we should give God praise when we pray:
- Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
- Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. It’s with our whole being—heart, soul, and mind—and not just our lips that we praise Him.
- Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. When we praise God in prayer, we remember how He has forgiven our sins, shown us mercy and grace, healed us in every way, and redeemed our lives from the pit of death and destruction. How can we not give Him praise? Without God’s forgiveness, love, compassion, and redemption, we would be in the pit of death and destruction, with no need of prayer.
When praying to God, it’s tempting to repeat the same attributes of God because they’re familiar and easy to remember (which certainly doesn’t diminish their power in prayer). Still, one way to offer fresh praises to God is by keeping a small journal close by when reading the Bible. Every time you read an attribute of God or a verse that speaks of praising God or reasons to praise God, write it down along with its address and incorporate them when you pray to God.
We can also praise God in other ways, such as singing a song of praise to God, creating with His glory in mind, or dancing before Him as David did.
Do We Need to Repent Before We Pray to God?
Repentance is key to enjoying fellowship with God and others. The Bible teaches that our salvation is once for all, that Jesus took our sins—past, present, and future—and nailed them to the cross (Hebrews 7:26-27). Although we do not lose our salvation when we sin, our fellowship with God is hindered by unrepentant sin, so we must regularly ask God to search our hearts for sin. (Psalm 139:23-24) Some suggest daily is a wise place to start as the request for forgiveness of sins (Luke 11:4) follows the request for daily bread in Luke 11:3, but the Bible doesn’t say we need to repent every time we pray to God.
Staying in close communion with God helps us be more aware of the traps that lead us to sin, but when we sin, we repent quickly and embrace God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9) so that we don’t miss a beat in staying in step with Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Start to Pray to God Today
Praying to God throughout the day will fortify your relationship as you learn to lean on Him in the small and big moments of the day. It may feel awkward at first, and that’s okay, but rest assured, the day will come when praying to God will come as naturally as your next breath.
Possible “breath prayer” starter prompts might include:
1. Lord, _____
2. Forgive me for _____
3. Thank You for _____
4. Help that person, Lord _____
5. Give me wisdom and discernment for _____
6. What should I do, Lord?
7. Did you see that, Lord?
8. How did you know that _____?
9. Creator God, how beautiful is ______?
10. I praise You for ______
A Prayer to Pray to God Better
Lord, I praise You for being the kind of Heavenly Father who wants to converse with His children, not one time, but all the time. I long to open and treasure the gift of prayer throughout my life. Will You lead the way in showing me how to walk in the joy and freedom You’ve given me as I learn to pray? You are worthy of praise, honor, and glory, God. Help my life to reflect this truth in every way. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Khanchit Khirisutchalual
This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing That Bring Daily Strength and Comfort
Prayers for Strength to Use in Difficult Times
Can We Really Pray Without Ceasing?
Powerful Morning Prayers to Begin Your Day
Types of Prayers We See in the Bible
What Is the Prayer of Jabez in the Bible?
How to Pray for Your Daily Bread
Prayers for Anxiousness
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