We pray to our Almighty God to help us whenever we are in distress and troubles. We also pray for the forgiveness of our sins. Moreover, we also pray to make our Lord feel our love and gratitude. But how do we pray according to the teachings of the Bible? How can we ensure that our prayers are heard and answered by God?
Here are 20 and more biblical verses to guide you on how to pray effectively:
1. Be humble.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
2. Be decent and modest.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;” – 1 Timothy 2:9 KJV
3. Remove your hatred and doubts.
“I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” – 1 Timothy 2:8 KJV
4. Have faith.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” – Matthew 21:22 ESV
5. Be righteous.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16 ESV
6. Keep the words and teachings of God.
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” – John 15:7 KJV
7. Obey God’s commandments.
“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.” – John 9:31 ESV
8. Stop sinning.
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” – Proverbs 15:8 KJV
9. Do the will of God.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21 KJV
10. Ask according to God’s will.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” – 1 John 5:14 KJV
11. Pray without wrong motives.
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” – James 4:3 NIV
12. Be honest and truthful.
“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18 KJV
13. Do not be a hypocrite.
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray to stand in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” – Matthew 6:5 KJV
14. Pray privately.
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:6 KJV
15. Pray with your heart, not with your mouth.
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:7-8 NIV
16. Always pray, not only when you need something from God.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV
17. Confess your sins.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 KJV
18. Forgive your sinners.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
19. Be thankful
“Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6 KJV
20. Pray like this.
“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom comes, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” – Matthew 6:9-13 ESV
Final thoughts
Praying is not about asking anything from God, but it is about connecting with Him spiritually. This spiritual connection means keeping His words, obeying His commandments, and doing things according to His will. If we will look closer to His wills and instructions, they are actually about making us the best people we could be.
God’s commandments are about making us humble, kind, patient, faithful, honest, forgiving, self-disciplined, righteous, and free from sins. All of these virtues are vital for making our lives better, healthier, more peaceful, and happier. And that is why God already knows what we need even before we ask Him. He already heard and answered your prayers even before you pray to Him.
To pray effectively, connect with God spiritually. Let the Spirit of God manifests in you.
ALSO READ: 15 Signs God Will Answer Your Prayers According to the Bible
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