Prayer Principle

So what and how do we say in speaking to God? Prayer is both words and attitude, same as we communicate with others. And yet, God being the ultimate in relationship, we need to approach Him in a spirit of reverence and in total, open truth - God's Perspective.

He gives us a "kick start" in prayer with ideas and phrases in the Bible. When He brings something up, use this as a starting point. Wherever He tells us to be (an attribute) or to do (an action), He would like not only obedience and conformance, but is open to discussing HOW (if there is a variable open for discussion).

Jesus prayed often. When asked by His disciples "how to pray," He gave them a model, which we call, the Lord's Prayer. Before departing for the mount of Olives, Jesus prayed not only for His disciples, but also for us today. This Upper Room Prayer is also known as the Lord's Prayer.

Here is an easy outline for prayer, taken from Jesus' model prayer topics, Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication: A-C-T-S. As you read through Psalms, write down the examples of each topic that are relevant to you to use as you talk with God.

Then consider a Prayer Journal to keep you organized and encouraged by His responses.

Adoration. Begin your prayer sessions with proper entrance before God in His throne room. Words and phrases of Praise and Adoration, Admiration, as opposed to "me."
Confession. As we start opening up to God and realize again each day that He is God and we are NOT God, we readily must confess this fact, as well as how we fall short.
Thanksgiving. God is good, and we have SO much to thank Him for - and not just the positive things of life.
Supplication. Now is the proper time to bring our heart's requests and concerns for others and for ourselves before God on His throne.

John 4.24