5 Simple But Powerful Steps to Prayer

As believers, we view prayer as explained by God through the language in the Bible. We learn that prayer is the principle means by which man, created in God’s image, can communicate with Him.

From the earliest times, prayer has been an integral part of the worship of God. Believers of all ages have expressed their hearts' desires through praise, thanksgiving, prayer, and intercession to and before God. It is so important for God’s people to learn to pray.

“Lord, teach us to pray.” In Luke 11:1-4, this request from one of his disciples prompted the Lord to share His prayer with us. We can find another version of this prayer in Matthew 6:9-15 when Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount:

"This, then, is how you should pray:

'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)"

Nearly every person of the Christian faith can recite this prayer from memory. The way Jesus taught us to pray is the perfect model to follow for our own prayer time.

Step 1: Adoration

“Hallowed be your name” The first line of this prayer is profound. The word “hallowed” means made holy, consecrated, or greatly revered and honored. His name is holy. In fact, all of his names are holy.

We can enter into prayer through worship by revering His name. By calling upon Him by name, we recognize and honor Him for who He is.

Step 2: Consecration

“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” After entering into worship, we should consecrate our body, soul, and spirit to the Father. This is when we wholly surrender ourselves to God’s will.

Step 3: Supplication

“Give us today our daily bread” Supplication is when we express our immediate needs to God. Though He already knows, this is the part where we acknowledge our need for Him and ask Him to provide the specific things we need in order for us help in moving the Kingdom forward.

Step 4 in Prayer: Intercession

“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” Intercession is when we stand before God on behalf of someone else. We must go before God with clean hands and a pure heart, so asking for forgiveness for our sins is essential.

Seeking and extending forgiveness is a powerful thing. Acknowledging our sins before the Father and seeking forgiveness on behalf of ourselves and others brings a freedom that can’t be described. It’s nearly impossible to hold on to unforgiveness toward someone when you’re asking for mercy on their behalf.

Step 5 in Prayer: Protection

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” The struggles and temptations we face on a daily basis are real. Satan even tried to tempt Jesus Himself (Mark 4:1-11). We aren’t exempt from these daily trials, but we can seek God’s protection through prayer and the full armor of God (Ephesians 6).

Start meditating on this model for prayer today!

RESPOND

Lord, thank You for giving us the perfect model for prayer. Thank you for providing a way to communicate with You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES 

Growing in Wisdom and Faith: James, by Elizabeth George is an encouraging resource for women who yearn to experience real spiritual growth!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Keeping a Prayer Journal blog post

Prayers for Friends blog post

One-Word Themes of All the Books of the Bible printable

REFLECT

Have you memorized the Lord’s Prayer? If not, do so over the next few days. Pray it until it becomes a part of your mind and heart.

REMEMBER

From the earliest times, prayer has been an integral part of the worship of God. The way Jesus taught us to pray is the perfect model to follow for our prayer time.