How Should I Pray? Learn to Talk With Your Heavenly Fatherনমুনা

Praying in Truth

Yesterday, we talked about how prayer is a form of worship when it is accompanied by thanksgiving and praise. We also learned that prayer should not be a religious act, but the speaking of Spirit-filled words full of truth.

But what does 'praying in truth' look like in our daily lives? Let’s use Ephesians 1:3 as an example.

Ephesians 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”

If the Word says that you are blessed with “every” spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, that is the truth.

So, if you pray: “Oh, God, would You please bless me with spiritual blessings?”
Does that count as praying in truth? No.

The Word says that “the Holy Spirit will remain with you and in you” and that “His gifts are irrevocable” (John 14:17; Romans 11:29).

So, if you pray: “Oh Lord, do not take Your Spirit from me, come now with Your Spirit and fill me again,”
Is that worshiping in truth? No.

We must pray the truth found in God’s Word!

So, instead, pray like this:
(You don’t need to say the Scripture references aloud, but they’re included to show you that this prayer is based on the truth of God’s Word.)

“Lord, I come before Your throne with boldness (Heb. 4:16) to praise and worship You (John 4:23). Thank You that I do not need to worry about anything, but that I can make all my desires known to You through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6-7).
Thank You that all Your promises are ‘yes and amen’ in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).
I rejoice in You because You give me everything my heart desires (Psalm 37:4)!

Thank You that I have become a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Thank You that I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:3). Thank You that sickness will not touch me, for by Your stripes, I am healed (Is. 53:5). Thank You that sin no longer has power over me (Rom. 6:14), for I have been redeemed by the precious blood of Your Son Jesus (Eph. 1:7). Now, I am Your beloved child (Rom. 8:16).

You make every form of grace abound in me, so that I will have all that I need in everything and be abundant in every good work (2 Cor. 9:8)! I possess the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:14). How you’ve shown me favor, thank You!

Thank You that You do what You say You will do (Num. 23:19) and that You are Who You say You are (1 Thess. 5:24)! Thank You that You ensure my children will not be lost (Is. 54:13), thank You that You protect, guard, and keep us from evil (Ps. 91:11; Ps. 121:7).

Thank You that You make all my ways prosperous (Josh. 1:8) and that I will bear much fruit for Your Kingdom (John 15:5). I place all my loved ones and needs in Your loving hands (1 Pet. 5:7).

I love You, I thank You, in Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen!”

See?

That’s worshiping in spirit and truth. As you’re praying, speak what you find in His Word. Thank Him for it because you know it is true. That’s how you make your requests known to God with thanksgiving.

Philippians 4:6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”

Activation:
Make a list of things you want to pray for in the coming week.
Take one item each day into prayer and apply this checklist:
- Am I approaching God’s throne with boldness?
- Am I praying according to God’s will? (Hint: God’s Word is His will!)
- Am I praying in faith?
- Am I making my requests known with thanksgiving?