How should I pray?

Jesus' Answer: The Lord's Prayer

When asked "Lord, teach us to pray," Jesus didn't give a lecture on prayer — he gave them words (Luke 11:1–4; Matthew 6:9–13). The Lord's Prayer is both a model and a masterclass. Its structure moves through: adoration ("hallowed be your name"), alignment ("your kingdom come"), petition ("give us today our daily bread"), confession ("forgive us our debts"), and protection ("deliver us from evil").

Key Principles

Pray with honesty. The Psalms are full of raw, unfiltered prayer — anger, doubt, despair, joy. God invites honest conversation, not polished performance.

Pray persistently. Jesus' parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8) teaches that we should "always pray and not give up." Persistence in prayer is not about overcoming God's reluctance — it's about forming a habit of dependence.

Pray in Jesus' name. To pray "in Jesus' name" is not a formula — it means praying in accordance with his character, his will, and through his access to the Father (John 14:13–14).

Types of Prayer

• Adoration — praising God for who he is
• Confession — acknowledging sin and receiving forgiveness
• Thanksgiving — expressing gratitude for specific blessings
• Supplication — bringing personal needs and interceding for others

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." — Philippians 4:6

When Prayer Feels Dry

Every Christian experiences seasons when prayer feels hollow or mechanical. This is normal. The great spiritual directors throughout history counsel: keep showing up. Pray even when you don't feel like it. Use the Psalms. Pray written prayers. Let others' words carry you when your own run out.