Matt.6v7-8: And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

At times, some things we do in the place of prayer often stand in the way of our answers. One of such things is what we see Jesus mention here in Matt.6v7-8 which is praying like the heathen or making the assumptions that much speaking or vain repetition equals prayer. This religious belief or tradition often hinders our prayers from being answered. Hence, the need for us to change the way we pray if we want to get more out of our prayers. The truth of the matter is that you can get much out of your prayers if you pray in line with God’s word. The way you pray can either limit or empower your prayers (Acts 12v5, 12-16). So how should you pray?

HOW TO PRAY

• Pray with a bigger mentality. Pray big prayers and not little prayers. What do I mean? Instead of praying: “Lord bless me,” pray rather that Lord make me a blessing. This is what I mean by praying with a bigger mentality. Most of the time, we often limit God in our prayer instead of provoking His power. My dear reader, it’s time to make a demand on God’s power and grace (Gen.18v14).
• Pray with a courageous mentality. What do I mean by this? I simply mean you need to pray for grace that is equal to your task/challenges and not for an easy life. The truth of the matter is that most people prefer a life without challenges but you need to know that if there is no trial, there can be no triumph. No test means no testimony! No pain means no power! So precious child of God, you need to embrace a courageous mindset in dealing with your challenges. Start seeing yourself as a giant-killer and not a grasshopper. This is the way to pray if you really want to get results big time (1Pet.5v10).
• Pray with a forgiveness mentality. You need to pray without a bitter heart if you really want answers to your prayers as unforgiveness is a major obstacle to answers to your prayers. Stop praying with a lot of baggage and hurt. I know that offenses will come in life but you must choose to be a forgiver if you want your prayers to be heard. Make up your mind today that you will stop holding on to every hurt or pain that someone may have caused you. Let go of the excess luggage. Embrace forgiveness, choose to be a forgiver! This is the way to go if you want to see positive changes in your prayer life. Make the change today! (Eph.4v30-32; Jam.5v16).

Other Scriptural References: (Ps.66v18; Mk.11v22-26; 1Pet.3v7; 2Cor.12v7-9; 1Chro.4v9-10; Eph.4v23; Ps.2v8; Eph.3v20; Lk.1v37).

Prayer for Today: Lord, I jettison from my life today every tradition and religious belief that is hindering my prayer life in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: I choose to change the way I pray. I embrace God’s way of praying. I refuse to pray according to the customs/traditions of men. I pray according to His word. The word of God is the final authority in my life on how to pray. My prayers are ordered and guided by His word. Therefore, I will not be put to shame in my prayer life in Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.