New to Faith: Bible Reading PlanSample

Prayer

Another spiritual practice is prayer. Prayer is listening and talking to God by telling Him what we honestly think and feel. You might be thinking, “Why do I need to tell God how I’m feeling? He already knows everything!” It's is a great question.

The purpose of prayer is not to tell God something He already knows, but it’s about building a close relationship. Prayer is like sharing your private journal with God rather than God rummaging through it. It’s not about knowledge. It’s about connection. When we pray our deepest thoughts, concerns, and confessions, our relationship with God comes alive.

In the Lord’s prayer, one of the most well-known prayers in the Bible, Jesus teaches His followers how to pray (Matthew 6:5-13), and He uses these different themes. The acronym ACTS can help you remember.

• Adoration: Praise and honor God’s good character and actions; express your love
• Confession: Acknowledge wrong actions and thoughts, and ask for help to do what’s right
• Thanksgiving: Recognize the ways God has provided
• Supplication: Ask for help; tell God your needs and concerns

Jesus also tells His followers to pray with sincerity and authenticity rather than using fancy words and grand public gestures. Sometimes, our hearts will be too troubled to pray, and we’ll be at a loss for words. In these moments, God’s spirit is praying in and for us on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).

Question: When it comes to praying, what do you find most challenging? Share that with God!