Prayer is an essential element in the daily life of a Christian.
When we pray we are communicating with God on a verbal and spiritual level. Sometimes we can hear from God when we pray and being led by the Holy Spirit into prayer and intercession with God, we draw closer to His divine Majesty.
Some people think of prayer as asking God for supplication for themselves and others or a change in some circumstance which may be beyond their control. When really we should be asking God to change us into what He is leading us to, in His purpose and His guidance, in which steps to take, in order to bring fruitfulness to our lives.
People can pray in all manner of ways and in all things.
Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.
(Philippians 4:6)
A guide to prayer can be found in the word ACTS. The principle of the word is as follows:
A = Adoration of God
C = Confession to God
T = Thanksgiving to God
S = Supplication from God
Following this principle is a good way to remember how to pray to God, in a manner which is submissive yet empowering.
There is also the Lord’s Prayer which was taught to us by Jesus himself and adapted over the centuries. One version is as follows:
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen
In ‘Common Worship’ as used by the community of the Church of England there are morning prayers, evening prayers, night prayers and also prayers for each day of the week. These can be said by an individual, a group, or even a church in worship.
To access the Church of England’s Common Worship morning prayers, evening prayer, or night prayer, please click here
They are easy to follow and give valuable assistance to a Christian in prayer. Many people use this form of prayer and the knowledge of all our prayers joining as one before God, from many people affirms our faith in the wider community of Christianity.