Brief Summary
This video outlines seven steps to cultivate a deeper and more meaningful prayer life. It emphasizes the importance of simple, honest communication with God, setting aside specific times for prayer, and remembering God's power and nature. The video encourages boldness and persistence in prayer, as well as praying for others. The story of D.L. Moody illustrates the impact of faithful prayer.
- Start talking to God simply and honestly.
- Set specific times for prayer.
- Remember who God is.
- Don't hold back your feelings.
- Pray boldly and persistently.
- Pray for others.
- Be persistent in prayer.
Intro
Prayer is essential in the Christian life but is often reduced to shallow routines. To strengthen your prayer life, the video introduces seven steps to help you grow closer to God through prayer.
Step #1. Just Start Talking To God
Begin by simply talking to God about what's on your mind without feeling pressured to use formal or intellectual language. Prayer is about joining in what God is already doing and surrendering to His will. God knows your needs, so approach Him like a friend, sharing your thoughts and feelings honestly. Start with simple prayers, expressing gratitude, asking questions, and sharing your concerns. It might feel awkward initially, but consistency builds a relationship with God.
Step #2. Set Specific Times To Pray
Commit to prayer by making it a priority in your daily life. Devoting time to prayer is like committing to any important activity, such as running, where you set aside specific times to engage in it. Regular, recurring prayer times reorder your focus and desires, creating space for God's presence. Don't wait until you feel like praying; instead, intentionally schedule time for it. Follow the biblical model of morning, noon, and evening prayers, using the Lord's Prayer in the morning, interceding for others at noon, and reviewing your day with God in the evening. The goal is to invite God into your daily activities and grow your friendship with Him.
Step #3. Remind Yourself Of Who God Is
Take time to adore God and His creation, remembering His power and holiness. God created the universe with words, demonstrating His immense power. Recognize that God is infinite, self-sufficient, and set apart from sin. Approach God as a Father, acknowledging His holiness and love. This understanding makes prayer easier because you recognize God's limitless power and His fatherly heart. Remember that God is the source of every good gift and planned to redeem humanity.
Step #4. Don't Hold Back
Be honest with God about your feelings, whether you feel weak, broken, or angry. Prayer is a safe place to process your emotions. Like David in the Psalms, passionately call on God and express your needs without fear. Don't hesitate to share your doubts or fears with God; He is your creator and can handle your honesty.
Step #5. Pray Boldly
Approach God with boldness, asking, seeking, and knocking with persistence. Jesus invites His followers to pray boldly, without limits or caution. The original Greek implies continuous action: keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Don't pray generic prayers; instead, pray for specific needs in your life, such as wisdom, guidance, and salvation for loved ones. Expect answers and trust that God, as your Father, wants to meet your needs.
Step #6. Pray For Others
Intercede for others by praying on their behalf, asking for favor or action for them. Pray for everyone, without qualifying who is worthy of your prayers. Apply what you've learned about personal prayer to praying for those around you. Pray for others to come to faith in Jesus and for those who share the Gospel. Make a list of people to pray for and find creative ways to remember them in your prayers.
Step #7. Be Persistent
Pray constantly, even when your prayers seem unanswered. Keep bringing your requests to God, trusting in His timing and wisdom. Jesus's parable of the persistent widow illustrates the importance of persistence in prayer. God welcomes and encourages you to bombard Him with your prayers. However, remember that God's ways are higher than your ways, and trust that His will is best.
Outro
The video concludes with the story of D.L. Moody, who prayed daily for 100 friends, 96 of whom came to salvation by the time he died, and the remaining four were saved after his memorial service. Moody's faithfulness in prayer demonstrates the power of seeking God. Continue praying, remembering that Jesus loves you.
