Praying In Faith: A Personal Exploration Of Spiritual Practice

Prayer is a way for people of faith to communicate with God. It is a way to worship and praise the Lord, offer confessions, and present requests. Prayer can take many forms, from a simple word of praise to a lengthy, passionate plea. It can be done silently or out loud, alone or with others, and in any location. For Christians, prayer is a way to deepen their relationship with God and to participate in His works. It is also a way to find strength and power over evil. While prayer is always available to those who seek it, it is important to approach it with humility and submission to God's will.

Praying with faith

Prayer is a way for people of faith to communicate with God. It is a way to worship and praise the Lord, offer confessions, and present requests.

There are two types of prayers: those with assurance and those with submission. Faith prays with assurance when God has made the outcome known, and it prays with submission when God has kept the outcome hidden. An example of the former is the story of Elijah, who prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three and a half years. On the other hand, an example of the latter is the story of the man with leprosy, who begged Jesus to heal him, saying, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."

• Set a regular prayer time and place. Consistency in prayer nurtures a deep, personal relationship with God.
• Read the Bible and pray over verses. Reading Scripture helps us get to know God and brings life to our prayers.
• Keep a prayer journal. Writing out prayers and thoughts allows us to slow down and consider them more clearly.
• Make prayer active and multi-sensory. For example, lighting a fragrant candle or listening to music can help us focus on God.
• Listen for the Holy Spirit. This is like tuning into a frequency that guides, comforts, and enlightens us.
• Make prayer an integral part of your day. Lift up short prayers to God throughout your day, such as praying over your schedule or asking for help with your to-do list.

Additionally, it is important to know whom you are speaking to when praying. God is three distinct persons in one: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Focusing on which person you are addressing can help you formulate what you want to say and how you want to say it.

Praying with submission

In the Bible, Peter writes:

> "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution" (1 Peter 2:13)

And also:

> "Servants, be submissive to your masters" (1 Peter 2:18)

> "In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands" (1 Peter 3:1)

These verses set a precedent for submission to God and those in authority. Submission is about recognising God's greatness and one's own limitations. It is a humbling act that puts God at the centre of one's life.

In a prayer of submission, one might ask for forgiveness for their rebellious spirit and for strength to follow God's will. They might submit their desires, plans and will to God's authority. For example, a prayer of submission might include the following:

> "Lord, I pray that you forgive my disobedience and my rebellious spirit. It is my heart’s desire to live in complete submission to you with no resistance. So, right now, I submit my will, my desires, and my plans to your authority. I accept that my life is no longer mine, but it was purchased with the blood of Christ, and so it belongs to you. I am willing to go where you lead and follow your instructions."

Praying with assurance

When praying with assurance, it is important to recognise that prayer is a conversation with God. It is a chance to worship and praise him, to ask for forgiveness, and to present your requests. It is also an opportunity to listen and to gain a sense of God's presence and his will for your life.

Set a Regular Time and Place for Prayer

Having a dedicated time and space for prayer can help you focus and signal to your mind and heart that it is time to connect with God. It could be a quiet corner of your home, a favourite spot in nature, or even a coffee shop.

Read the Bible and Pray Over Verses

Reading Scripture helps you get to know God and brings life to your prayers. You can pray over verses that stand out to you, asking God to work his truths into your heart.

Keep a Prayer Journal

Writing down your prayers and thoughts in a journal can be a powerful tool for reflection and inspiration. It helps you express your deepest emotions and track your spiritual growth, serving as tangible proof of God's hand in your life.

Make Prayer Multi-Sensory

Engaging your senses during prayer can make it more engaging and meaningful. For example, lighting a scented candle, listening to worship music, or holding a meaningful object can enhance your prayer experience.

Listen for the Holy Spirit

Prayer is a two-way conversation, so it's important to actively listen for God's voice. Open your heart and mind to receive wisdom, truth, and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Pray Throughout Your Day

Praying without ceasing means lifting up short prayers to God throughout your day. It might be a prayer for guidance, strength, or gratitude. Integrating prayer into your daily activities helps you develop a constant connection with God.

Choose an Intentional Prayer Setting

Creating a tranquil and inspiring environment can enhance your ability to commune deeply with God. It could be a quiet corner of your room, a peaceful spot in nature, or anywhere you feel a sense of serenity and focus.

Pray for Assurance of Faith

You can pray specifically for assurance, asking God to strengthen your faith and increase your certainty in him. For example, you can pray:

> "Heavenly Father, in Your holy name, we approach You with humility and praise. You have been abundant in Your mercy, Lord, and unending in Your love. We pray for the assurance of our faith in Jesus Christ. Strengthen us as we seek certainty and clarity. Enrich our connection to You, God, bringing us hope where doubts try to shadow. Let not our faith waver but stand firm through every storm. In our earnest plea, grace us with the certainty we crave. In You alone, we find assurance of an unwavering faith. Amen."

Praying with a friend

Set a Time and Place

It can be helpful to set aside a specific time and place for prayer with your friend. This could be a quiet corner in your home, a peaceful spot in nature, or even a favourite coffee shop. By creating a dedicated space for prayer, you can minimise distractions and better focus on your conversation with God.

Read the Bible and Pray Over Verses

Incorporating Scripture into your prayers can add depth and meaning. Read verses from the Bible and reflect on how they apply to your lives. You can pray over specific passages that resonate with you or that speak to the concerns you are bringing before God. The Psalms, for example, offer many honest and heartfelt prayers that can inspire your own.

Listen for the Holy Spirit

Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. As you pray with your friend, take time to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance, comfort, and enlightenment. Be patient and still, allowing space for God's voice to speak to your hearts.

Pray for Each Other's Needs

Ask your friend what their specific needs are, and pray for them by name. You can pray for their health, happiness, protection, guidance, strength, and wisdom. Pray for their families, marriages, careers, and any challenges they may be facing. Pray for their salvation, peace of mind, and spiritual growth. Bring your friend's struggles and sorrows before God, believing that He hears your prayers and has the power to bring healing and transformation.

Pray for Your Friendship

Pray for your friendship to be a source of mutual encouragement, comfort, and support. Ask God to help you be a good friend to one another, to love and care for each other well. Pray for your friendship to be a reflection of God's love and a blessing in your lives.

Be Open and Honest

As you pray with your friend, be open and honest about your own struggles, fears, and joys. Share your true thoughts and feelings with God, knowing that He already knows you fully and completely. Allow your friend to witness your vulnerability and authenticity in prayer, and create a safe space for them to do the same.

Remember, there is no one right way to pray with a friend. Each person's prayer style may be unique, but the important thing is to engage in this spiritual practice together, seeking God's presence and guidance in your lives.

Praying with Scripture

Read and Meditate on Scripture

Start by reading a passage of Scripture, such as a verse or a chapter from one of the Gospels. Take time to meditate on the words, considering what they mean and how they apply to your life. This practice can help you gain new insights and a deeper understanding of God's Word.

Pray Through the Psalms

The Psalms are a collection of prayers and hymns that can be a rich source for your own prayers. As you read through the Psalms, pause on verses that resonate with you and use them as a starting point for your prayers. You can also use the Psalms to pray through a range of emotions, from joy and gratitude to sorrow and lament.

Pray Scripture-Based Prayers

Use Scripture as a guide for your prayers. For example, you could pray through the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), which covers themes such as worship, supplication, and forgiveness. Other passages, such as the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) or the Armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), can also provide a framework for your prayers.

Write Out Scripture-Based Prayers

Try writing out your prayers based on Scripture. This can involve using specific verses or themes from Scripture to shape your prayers. For instance, you might write a prayer of thanksgiving, using verses that focus on God's provision and goodness. Writing out your prayers allows you to reflect on the Scripture and make it more personal.

Memorize Scripture

Memorizing Scripture helps you internalize God's Word and makes it more accessible when you pray. Choose verses or passages that are meaningful to you and spend time committing them to memory. Then, when you pray, you can recall these verses and use them to guide your prayers.

Pray with Others

Praying with others can be a powerful way to experience Scripture together. Take turns reading Scripture and praying over the words. This can help you gain new perspectives and encourage one another in your faith. Praying with a partner or a group can also help hold you accountable and deepen your community.

Frequently asked questions