Let Us Pray

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus responds to the disciples' requests to teach them how to pray. Beginning in verse 9, we find what is called the Lord's Prayer. Here it is, from the King James Version:
(9b) Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as* we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

This is the National Day of Prayer, and for Christians, it gives us the opportunity to pray corporately, in unity, for our nation, state, and localities. There are public events that can take place, and the observance can also remind us about not only gathering with other believers to pray, but also to reflect on the state of our own private prayer life. 

A Lifeway Research study released early last year highlighted the frequency of prayer. A summary article of the survey noted: "...nearly 2 in 3 Protestant churchgoers (65%) intentionally spend time alone with God at least daily, with 44% saying daily and 21% saying more than once a day."

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, stated: “We see a pattern in Scripture of followers of God withdrawing to spend time alone with Him. Jesus Christ Himself also did this,” adding, “Most Protestant churchgoers continue this relational interaction with God and use a variety of resources as they do.”

So, what do believers do during their quiet time? The #1 response - is to pray; the summary says that 83% of churchgoers "most often pray in their own words." 80% "thank God," 62% "praise God," and just under half "confess sins." Around 4 out of 10 "read from the Bible or a devotional."

The summary goes on to say:

Evangelical beliefs and the frequency of church attendance are also factors in how a person prefers to pray. Those who attend worship services at least four times a month are more likely than those who attend less frequently to pray in their own words (85% v. 79%). But those who attend a worship service one to three times a month are more likely than those who attend more frequently to repeat a set prayer (24% v. 16%).

The article notes that younger people tend to pray a "set prayer," while older believers "pray in their own words." 

There is not one set format for a person's quiet time or his or her prayers.  We do recognize the response of Jesus in Matthew 6 as His disciples came to Him and asked Him to teach them to pray.  He gave them what has come to be known as the Lord's Prayer, which includes a variety of elements.  For instance, Jesus acknowledged God as His - and our - Father, and incorporated the praise element when he said, "Hallowed be Thy name."  Psalm 100 talks about entering into God's presence with thanksgiving and praise. 

Jesus also highlighted the importance of standing in solidarity with His will when He said, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done."  He also pointed to daily needs, such as our "daily bread."

He also emphasized the importance of receiving forgiveness for our sins, which we do, according to 1st John 1, by confessing our sins.  We are also called to forgive others as part of this "model" prayer. 

There is also a spiritual warfare element, as we rely on God to overcome temptation and to walk free from the power of evil.  The Lord's Prayer concludes with the beautiful declaration, offering glory to our great God. 

There is much about which we can be praying, and we can depend on the Spirit of God to place upon our hearts how we are to pray for our own needs, as well as the needs of others. And, one essential component, as well, is to listen to God - to be still before Him, so that we may hear and know His direction.