How to Pray: A Simple Guide to Talking with God Every Day

# How to Pray: A Simple Guide to Talking with God Every Day

Few things sound more spiritual, and feel more intimidating, than prayer. Maybe you have wondered what to say, how to say it, or whether God really hears you at all. Maybe your prayer life has shrunk to quick mealtime blessings or last-resort emergencies. Wherever you are starting from, here is some good news: prayer is not a performance. It is a conversation with a loving Father who delights to hear from His children.

At First Baptist Church of Fenton, we believe prayer is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life. This guide is designed to help anyone, beginner or seasoned believer, build a healthy daily prayer habit.

## What Is Prayer, Really?

Prayer is simply talking with God. It is honest, ongoing communication with the One who made you, loves you, and has invited you into a relationship through Jesus Christ. Because of the cross, every Christian can come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) without fear, shame, or fancy words.

You do not need a special posture, time of day, or vocabulary. God is not impressed by religious-sounding language. He is moved by humble, honest hearts.

## Jesus Taught His Followers to Pray

When Jesus' disciples asked Him how to pray, He gave them what we now call the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer is not a magic formula. It is a model that teaches us what prayer can include:

- **Worship:** Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

- **Surrender to God's will:** Your kingdom come, Your will be done.

- **Asking for daily needs:** Give us this day our daily bread.

- **Confession and forgiveness:** Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

- **Asking for protection and help:** Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

If you are not sure what to pray, simply pray the Lord's Prayer slowly, putting it in your own words. It is a beautiful place to start.

## A Simple Daily Prayer Method: A.C.T.S.

Many believers find the ACTS model helpful for organizing daily prayer:

- **A - Adoration.** Praise God for who He is. His holiness, love, power, faithfulness, and grace.

- **C - Confession.** Honestly name your sins. Ask for forgiveness and the Spirit's help to turn from them.

- **T - Thanksgiving.** Thank God for specific blessings, big and small.

- **S - Supplication.** Bring your requests, for yourself and others, to your loving Father.

Using this simple framework, even five minutes of focused prayer can be deeply meaningful.

## Practical Tips for Building a Daily Prayer Habit

### 1. Start Small

Do not try to pray for an hour on day one. Begin with five or ten minutes and build from there. Faithfulness over time matters more than length on day one.

### 2. Pick a Time and Place

Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). Find a chair, a corner, or a quiet spot. Anchor prayer to a daily rhythm: morning coffee, lunch break, before bed.

### 3. Pray with an Open Bible

Let Scripture shape your prayers. Read a passage and pray it back to God. The Psalms are especially helpful for this.

### 4. Keep a Prayer List

Write down people, situations, and concerns you want to lift up. Add a column for answered prayers. Few things grow your faith like seeing how God has worked.

### 5. Pray Throughout the Day

First Thessalonians 5:17 calls us to pray without ceasing. That does not mean nonstop kneeling. It means a constant, conversational awareness of God in your day. A whispered prayer in traffic, a thank-you over a meal, a short cry for help in a hard moment.

### 6. Pray With Others

Praying with a spouse, friend, small group, or church family is one of the most powerful ways to grow. Jesus said where two or three gather in His name, He is there with them (Matthew 18:20).

## What If My Prayers Feel Dry or Unanswered?

Every believer experiences seasons of dryness. God is not measuring your performance. He sees your heart. Keep showing up. Keep being honest. Even Jesus prayed in Gethsemane with sweat and tears (Luke 22:44). Sometimes the most faithful prayer is, Lord, I do not feel this. Please help me.

And when prayers seem unanswered, remember: God always hears. He always answers. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, sometimes wait, and sometimes something better than we asked. He is good, and He can be trusted.

## Want to Grow in Prayer?

We would love to walk with you. First Baptist Church of Fenton offers Sunday gatherings, small groups, and prayer ministries that exist to help God's people grow in talking with Him. Join us Sundays at 10:30 AM at 860 N. Leroy Street in Fenton, Michigan, or watch online on YouTube.

The God of the universe is listening. Talk to Him today.