How do I pray?
Short answer
Prayer is simply talking with God — thanking him, asking him, confessing to him, and listening. You don't need special words.
Deeper answer
Jesus taught his followers to pray with simple, honest words (the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 is the classic model). The form matters far less than the heart.
A simple way to start: tell God what you're thankful for, what you're sorry for, what you need, and what you're listening for. Speak as you would to someone who knows you completely and loves you anyway.
From the Bible
Matthew 6:9–13
NIV““This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’””
Philippians 4:6–7
NIV“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
NIV“Pray continually.”
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