This past Sunday we took another look at how to pray (view it here). We viewed part of the video above as we continued to explore what we should say when we pray. The whole idea was that prayer wasn't about being religious or even about saying the right words. It's about building a tight connection with God....a lifeline. 

We looked at the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 as a prayer we can repeat (but not like a zombie) and a pattern for how to pray. You can review these thoughts and get more readings and reflection in our follow up questions (click here). 

Here's a few more thoughts: 

Prayer is our chance to talk with God. In any real relationship, there needs to be communication. So when you pray, do it for the relationships. Don’t just list requests. Pray to connect with Him. There are no special words you need to say. Be yourself. Talk to God.It might be weird at first so here are a few ideas to help you pray:

A.C.T.S.

Admire/Praise – Tell God what you admire about Him and praise Him (i.e. Savior, Creator, Father)
Confess – Confess our sin to God, ask for forgiveness, turn away from wrong paths
Thank – Thank God for specific things He has done and for His blessing in life
Stuff – Share your life with God. He cares about all aspects of our life, so ask Him for help and share the highs and lows with Him.

ABOUT GOD...MEAN FOR ME

When you are reading the Bible, ask questions like What does it say about God? and What does it mean for me? Then you can follow up and thanks for He who He is and for what He's done (what it says about God...) and ask Him to help you take steps (what it means for me...).

WHY PRAY?

The Bible talks about prayer and connecting with God. We can cast all our cares on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). 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. (Phillippians 4:6-7). It also takes about praying continually. Don't stop praying (1 Thess. 5:7). This is about an attitude of prayer by going through life connected and focused of God and His ways. When we are in a relationships with God, He will make our paths straight and make sense out of life (Proverbs 3:5-6).