Prayer is simply talking to God. You can talk to God as you would talk to a very good friend. And you can tell God anything, whatever is in your heart and on your mind.
Begin by talking to God about the things that are worrying you and the difficult situations you are going through. God cares for you and for the people you are concerned about. God promises to do far more for us even than we ask or think.
One simple way to pray is to picture in your mind the people you are concerned about. Imagine Jesus looking at them with love, just as you are looking at them with your love. Then imagine God’s loving arms surrounding them.
Praying for Difficult Situations
If you have a difficult situation you are facing, and you want to pray for God’s help, think of Jesus being with you there in that situation. Tell Jesus what you are feeling and thinking. What is Jesus’ response to you? Continue your conversation with Jesus. Christians believe Jesus is the risen Christ who has overcome evil and is able to understand us and help us in our weakest moments.
Prayer is also just being with God. Sometimes you can pray by sitting in silence, especially in a place you enjoy being, and bask in God’s loving light.
The Bible Is Full of Promises about Prayer
- Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10. (RSV)
- Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7(RSV)
- Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (Good News Bible)
Aids to Prayer:
- The Bible – particularly the Psalms and the stories of Jesus
- Quietness, a place to pray
- Candles - You can light a candle for yourself or for a person you are praying about
- A place in the outdoors
- A journal – you might like to record your prayers and prayer requests in a journal. It can be good to look back and see how answers have come and things have been worked out
- Walking – some people find it a help to go for a walk while praying
Using Prepared Prayers
Sometimes we can find it difficult to pray our own prayer, and in those times simple prepared prayers can help us. Read the words slowly and think about them so they become your own.
A Prayer for God's presence
God, help me to be aware of your ever-present love,
So that whatever is going on around me,
Busy-ness, worry, or fear,
I will know you are always there ready to help me,
and always waiting to be that quiet, still, centre in my life.
A Prayer about Nature
I thank you for the sound of nature,
the birds, the flowing water, and the breeze,
I thank you for roses in gold and pink. As I soak in nature, I soak in your love. Amen
