Three Key Things the Bible Teaches Us About Prayer

Introduction

Prayer is a central part of the Christian faith, yet sometimes it feels like a mystery. How do we pray? What does God expect from us when we pray? Fortunately, the Bible offers a lot of wisdom and guidance regarding prayer, showing us how it’s not just a meditative practice, but a powerful way to affect the world around us. Here are three important lessons about prayer that the Bible teaches us:

Prayer is a Way to seek God

Prayer is about communication, it’s an opportunity to speak with God just as we would with a friend or loved one. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus encourages us with these words: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” This passage reveals that prayer is not a passive or distant activity; it’s active and ongoing.

What’s remarkable is that God desires this open communication with us. He invites us to bring our needs, desires, concerns, and even our doubts before Him. Prayer is a way for us to share what's on our hearts and seek His guidance, comfort, and wisdom.

Prayer Should Be Sincere and From the Heart

When Jesus teaches about prayer, He emphasizes sincerity over performance. In Matthew 6:5-6, He warns against using prayer as a show to impress others. He says: “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, shut the door and pray to your Father, who is in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

In this passage, Jesus underscores the importance of a humble, private connection with God. It’s not about how eloquent or impressive our words sound; it’s about the heart behind them. Prayer should come from a place of authenticity, a desire to speak honestly with God and hear from Him. Whether we pray in the quiet of our room or in public, God values the genuineness of our hearts more than any outward display.

Praying with Faith and Persistence

The Bible teaches that prayer is not only about sincerity, but also about perseverance and faith. In James 5:16, we are reminded, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” This shows that prayer holds significant power. It’s not a mere routine or formality – it’s an act that can change circumstances, bring healing, and make a difference in the world.

But it’s also important to remember that prayer requires persistence. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow, urging His followers to continue praying, even when answers seem delayed. The widow in the story keeps asking a judge for justice, and her persistence eventually leads to a favourable outcome. Jesus uses this story to show that persistence is also something we should implement when we pray.

Conclusion

As we grow in our prayer life, we begin to see more clearly how God is working in our lives. So, take time to pray, be honest with God, and trust that He hears you. Whether it’s in moments of joy or struggle, prayer is a vital part of the journey, one that strengthens, and empowers us to live according to His will.