Why pray if God already knows?
God commands prayer and delights to work through it. Prayer is how children come to their Father. It shapes our hearts, aligns our wills, and brings real help from His hand. He ordains both the ends and the means. So we ask, seek, and knock with confidence. See Matthew 6:8–9; Matthew 7:7–11; James 4:2.
How can the Lord’s Prayer guide me?
Jesus taught his disciples to pray using what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” found in Matthew 6:9-13. He did not intend it to be prayed word for word, but rather it should be a pattern for prayer. Start with God’s name, His kingdom, and His will. Then bring daily needs. Confess sins (1 John 1:9) to restore your relationship to God and finally ask Him to help you resist temptations. Begin basically and Pray it slowly. Expand each line with your own words. Let it train your priorities and keep your prayers balanced and God-centered. See Matthew 6:9–13.
What hinders our prayers?
Unconfessed sin. Selfish motives. Harshness and unforgiving spirit toward others. Doubt that refuses to trust God’s character. Neglect of God’s Word. These choke prayer and quench joy. Keep short accounts – be willing to forgive easily. Walk in the light of God’s Word, and pray in faith according to His will. See Psalm 66:18; James 4:3; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 John 5:14–15.
How do I pray when I am weak?
Come honestly. Groan if you must. The Spirit helps our weakness and intercedes for us. Remember that Christ was human and knows our weaknesses. Open the Psalms and pray what others have prayed for thousands of years before you. Ask others to pray with you. Short prayers are fine. God wants to be our strength when we are weak so keep coming to the throne of grace for mercy and seek His strength. See Romans 8:26–27; Psalm 62:8; Hebrews 4:14–16.