We often used the phrase, “I will pray for you” quite loosely because most times we do not follow up on our words.

It is best to simply pray for the person immediately upon request. If you wait you will easily forget.

Sadly, many people believe that they do not know how to pray while others are endowed with the gift of praying.

It does not matter what category that you see yourself, God will hear any prayer from a sincere heart.

The publican was a sinner and never prayed in his life but one day he became convicted of his sins and in deep remorse he knelt to the ground, slapped his breast and cried, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 19:13).

The publican prayer consisted of one sentence from a meek and contrite heart, and God heard his prayer and forgave his sins.

Why?

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

(Psalms 34:18 KJV)

On the other hand, the Pharisee who was a highly devoted religious Jew was well-versed in his prayer life.

He was eloquent in his long prayers to God.

He was so pleased with his abilities and his religious duties that he made sure to constantly remind God of his just life.

He adored himself and thanked God that he was set apart and not like the other sinners such as “extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” (Luke 18:11).

After the Pharisees prayed he got up feeling pleased with himself that he had impressed God with his prayers.

Unfortunately, the Pharisees prayers only bounced on the roof of the temple and fell to the floor.

Why?

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

(Luke 14:11 KJV)

The Word of God is established! We cannot change it and we cannot add to it. We simply have to abide by His Word.

For those who still feel that praying is challenging, Jesus has the answer.

Jesus’ disciples did not know how to pray so they asked Him to teach them how to pray.

Jesus gave them a model prayer that even a child could understand it and apply its principles.

The prayer encapsulates the essence of God’s character, His omnificent greatness, and His perfect plans for us.

When you repeat the words of the prayer sincerely the Lord will hear and respond.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

This prayer can be repeated and it can be used as a template for praying.

Read The six criteria of praying in Jesus’ model prayer.

Over to you! Do you like to pray publicly?

Share with us how you pray.