We must never lose sight of who sits on the throne of grace when we come before God in prayer. Yes, He is our Father who loves us, but He is also Almighty God, Creator of the universe, and He who deserves our praise, worship, reverence and awe forever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
Hebrews 10:35 – Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
There is a model for prayer that is acceptable to God. Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer as an example. There are all kinds of prayers so all components of the model prayer are not needed on every occasion. Fit the prayer to the reason you are praying in the first place.
1. Confess you sins – If you are praying to God for forgiveness of sins always confess any sins you have committed and ask God to forgive you. Be specific if you know which sins you want forgiven. You’re in luck because God has promised in Scripture that He will forgive your sins if you ask Him and God never lies.
2. Praise God – Always offer up praise and worship in any kind of prayer to God. It acknowledges the glory of God and affirms your trust in Him as your heavenly Father. Be sure to acknowledge God’s mercy and call upon Him to grant it.
3. Ask for instruction – God is the source of all wisdom and if you ask God He will provide you with the instruction, guidance and understanding for what you should do in any circumstance of life. God may answer yes, no or wait. God doesn’t work on our timetable so don’t expect immediate gratification. It’s hard to hear God’s still small voice but you can with practice. God works all things to our benefit but it takes time.
4. Ask for God’s protection – Ask for God’s protection against Satan and his evil demons. We are powerless against the powers of darkness without the protection of God’s Word which He has graciously provided to us.
5. Rejoice in God – Always give thanks to the Lord, rejoice and be glad that the Lord your God is Sovereign over His creation and nothing can take you out of His hand. You are God’s cherished possession now and forever in the heaven to come. Rejoice!
Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Ephesians 5:20 – Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.