By

Shelby G. Floyd

Praying to the Almighty is not always something that comes naturally. Like most things we do well, effective prayer must be learned.

Prayer Must Be Taught

After Jesus was done praying one time, a certain man made this request: “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). We also like him, need to be taught how to effectively pray to God above.

The Model Prayer

Jesus did teach him and us how to pray in the model prayer recorded in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:5-15). It is a teaching model for prayer in several ways: 1. Pray briefly without vain repetitions; 2. Pray in secret so as not to be seen by men; 3. Pray respectfully to God who is in heaven and you are on earth; 4. Pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven; 5. Pray for your daily needs, not all your wants; 6. Pray in the spirit of forgiving others that your own sins will be forgiven; and 7. Pray that the Lord will deliver you from all evil by leading you away from temptation.

ASAP—Always Say a Prayer

Let us ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER! Jesus taught that we ought to always say a prayer and not faint (Luke 18:1). In this vein someone wrote these words:

There’s work to do, deadlines to meet;
You’ve got no time to spare,

But as you hurry and scurry—
ASAP—ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

Do it—ASAP

In the midst of family chaos,
“Quality time” is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest—
ASAP—ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries,
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather
ASAP—ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He’ll respond to all your needs
ASAP—ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
—Author Unknown

Let each child of God pray fervently, and pray often: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

Copyright © 2012, 2018 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142