Week 5 | Wednesday

Read: Matthew 6:9-13

In light of all this, how should we pray? Consider the following seven lenses that help us practice praying the way God designed it to be, however imperfect our practice may be.

Simply – Don’t overcomplicate it. There’s a song by Elevation Worship that captures the heart of praying simplicity. “There’s no wrong way to do it; there’s no bad time to start. It don’t have to sound pretty; just tell him what’s on your heart…Just talk to Jesus.”

Honestly – Here’s the thing: God already knows what’s on your heart. He knows what you need help with. You don’t have to present your best side to Him. In fact, if you posture like things are better than they actually are, you’re holding back on your relationship with God. He wants all of you. There are no carry-ons. Check your baggage, come aboard, and travel safely. 

Continually – It might sound funny, but to pray continually, you need to hit the pause button. Where could you use a reminder to pray? In the car, on the bathroom mirror, by your bed, on the refrigerator, in the laundry room? Cover your world with post-it notes to remind you God is everywhere, so you can talk to Him anywhere. 

Creatively – We were created by the Creator to be creative. That means you have permission to be creative in your prayer. It’s easy to get this picture of “real” prayer as us on our knees, at our bedside, elbows on the mattress, hands folded, head down. That’s okay, but prayer is not a one-size-fits-all deal. Don’t go all Sam-I-Am on this and decide you won’t like getting creative with prayer before you try it. Ask yourself what you like to do, where you feel most at peace, and what brings you joy. Then, ask God how to bring prayer into that space. 

Boldly – To pray boldly requires that we decrease so Jesus can increase in our lives. It means we seek less of what we want and more of what He wants in us and what He wants to accomplish through us. That boils down to four simple prayers. God, move me onward with you. Lead me upward into your presence. Search me inward, know my heart and conform me to your image. Finally, send me outward so more people can know you through my surrendered life. 

Specifically – Are you struggling with something or burdened with someone else’s struggle? Is the world weighing on you? Do you just need to hear from God? Answer the simple question: Have you prayed about it? Sometimes, prayer is our last resort. What if it was your first and most frequent pit stop? The place where you change the tires, refuel, clean the windshield, and head back to the race. 

Perseveringly – The answers to our prayers don’t always come when we want them. Sometimes, the resolution to our requests doesn’t come at all. What should we do, then, give up? Stop praying? By no means. God is always working. He works in all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28-29). Trust Him. He is working for you, in you, and through you. Keep praying.