A Beginner’s Guide to Prayer
WHAT IS PRAYER?
Prayer is a conversation with God. He’s always available and never too busy to listen. In fact, He’s waiting to hear from you and delighted when you show up.
WHY PRAY?
Prayer is how we communicate with God. It provides a way to share our needs with our creator and receive His strength, guidance, peace and provision. It is how we create space for God to speak to us.
HOW TO BEGIN
You can talk to God just as you would talk to a trusted friend who understands and knows you. You don’t need anyone else’s words or a special vocabulary.
You don’t even need words at all to start with; you can just put down everything else and turn your attention to God. When you’re ready, just tell Him what’s on your mind.
WHERE TO PRAY
Of course you can pray anywhere, but it helps to find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. Some people find it helps to close their eyes to shut out distractions, or you could have something to look at like a flower or a lit candle or a photo of the ocean – it’s up to you.
Some calming music in the background can help you focus. Of course, in a difficult moment you can just call out for God’s help wherever you are, no matter what is going on around you.
WHAT TO SAY
Some people start by thanking God for the good things or just for being there. You can bring your regrets and sorrows to him too. You can ask for His help and strength in any difficulties you are facing and invite him into any situation.
Tell Him how you feel and what you’re thinking. He knows already and nothing shocks Him. Sometimes you’ll want to pray for other people, or to ask God a question.
When you finish, you can ask Him to stay close to you through the day, or night. If you’re alone and uninterrupted, you can talk to God out loud. It might feel strange at first, and He can hear you just as well when you pray silently.
HOW TO LISTEN
In your conversation with God, be sure to leave space to listen to what He might say to you. Hold the silence and see what comes into your mind.
God might have something to show you so give him a moment. It might be a word or a picture or just a feeling of being loved and valued.
Don’t be surprised when God answers your prayers, often through other people or events. It won’t be a coincidence.
CREATING A RHYTHM
Early in the morning and last thing at night are great times to pray and a great habit to establish.
PRAYING AND READING YOUR BIBLE
These two habits go well together and often a word or phrase from your reading will fit into your prayer. Whether you read first or pray first is up to you and of course you can pray before and after reading.
There are a couple of apps we like that can enhance your own prayer and reading:
Lectio 365 and The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, both of which can be read and listened to.
FIND OUT MORE
If you would like to understand more about the Christian faith, we recommend looking for an Alpha course in your local area at Alpha.org.
We run the Alpha course in spring and autumn each year. If you would like any help, contact us at: admin@staustellparish.uk.