How to Pray

August 5th, 2025
by Jill Chambers

How to Pray

Simple. Honest. Transformative.

Prayer Isn't Complicated - It's a Conversation

Ever feel unsure about how to pray? You’re not alone.

For many of us, prayer can feel mysterious or intimidating. Am I doing it right? What should I say? Does God actually hear me?

At Agape, we believe prayer isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. It’s about drawing near to a God who is already near to you. Whether you’re feeling joyful, confused, thankful, or overwhelmed, prayer is simply a way to be with God in the middle of it all.

So, What is Prayer?

Prayer is a conversation with the God who loves you.
It’s how we:

Connect with Him
Seek His guidance
Express our needs and gratitude
Align our hearts with His will

There’s no secret formula. You don’t have to sound spiritual or polished—just be real. God delights in hearing from His children.

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18

Why Do We Pray?

To Grow in Relationship with God

Prayer is how we get to know God. Not just facts about Him—but who He really is. The more time we spend with Him, the more we grow in trust and love.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God... and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5

To Express Gratitude and Worship

Even in tough seasons, prayer gives us space to say thank you and lift our eyes to God’s goodness.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances...” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

To Share Our Needs and Intercede for Others

God invites us to bring everything to Him—our worries, our dreams, and the needs of others we care about.

"...by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6

What Does the Bible Say About Prayer?

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer—and none of it suggests you have to be perfect.

Prayer Is a Way of Life

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” — Colossians 4:2

Prayer Builds Faith

“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it...” — Mark 11:24

Prayer is Powerful

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16

Jesus Modeled It

Even Jesus—God in the flesh—made time to pray.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16

How to Pray: A Simple Guide

You don’t need perfect words or a certain posture. Just come as you are. Here’s a simple framework to help:

1. Start with Praise

Thank God for who He is. Start your prayer by focusing on Him, not just your circumstances.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving...” — Psalm 100:4

2. Be Honest About Your Struggles

Confess your sins and be real about your doubts or worries. He can handle it.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just...” — 1 John 1:9

3. Ask for What You Need

Big or small, God wants to hear it. He cares deeply for you.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

4. Pray for Others

Prayer isn’t just about us—it’s a chance to stand in the gap for our friends, family, and community.

“I urge... that petitions, prayers, intercession... be made for all people.” — 1 Timothy 2:1

5. Be Still and Listen

Prayer isn’t just talking—it’s also listening. Slow down. Make space for God to speak.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

6. End with Trust

You don’t have to know how everything will work out. Just trust that God is faithful.

“...if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” — 1 John 5:14

Does Prayer Actually Work?

Yes. But maybe not always the way we expect.

Prayer is not a vending machine. It’s a relationship. Sometimes God answers with a yes, sometimes with a no, and often with a “not yet.” But every time, He answers with love.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them...” — Psalm 34:17
“...in all things God works for the good of those who love Him...” — Romans 8:28

Even when circumstances stay the same, prayer changes us.

How to Grow a Prayer Life

You don’t have to be a “prayer warrior” overnight. Just take the next small step.

Set a Time

Pick a time in your day—morning, lunch break, or before bed—and build a rhythm.

Start a Prayer Journal

Writing your prayers can help you focus, and it’s powerful to look back and see how God showed up.

Pray Scripture

Use verses as a launching point. Try praying through Psalm 23 or the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13).

Pray With Others

Prayer is better together. Whether in a group or with a friend, community helps keep us connected and encouraged.

Keep the Conversation Going

Prayer doesn’t have to stop. Whisper little prayers throughout your day. God is always listening.

Scriptures to Keep You Grounded

Here are some verses to remind you what prayer is all about:

Jeremiah 29:12 – “Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”
Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you...”
Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers...”

Final Encouragement

Prayer isn’t about getting the words right—it’s about showing up.

So wherever you are today—whether you’re feeling grateful, heartbroken, or just unsure—God is ready to meet you in that space. You don’t have to clean yourself up. You don’t have to have all the answers.

Just start with, “Hey God…”

And see what happens when you make room for Him to speak, lead, and love you right where you are.