The P.R.A.Y. Method for Prayer

Prayer doesn't come naturally. It's something to learn and be taught. There are plenty of tools out there, A.C.T.S. being one of the most popular. But the ACTS prayer method is missing something biblical. The PRAY model gets closer. In the video below, I discuss how PRAY might be healthier than ACTS. Also, here are some simple instructions for anyone asking, "How do I pray?"

P.R.A.Y.

P - Praise, Adoration, & Thanksgiving

Praise: Begin your prayer by taking several minutes to marvel in the God you serve. Think of some of His attributes and note how they are experienced by you each day. Remember His promises and how He has fulfilled them in the past. Think of the things that drive your affections toward God and tell Him about them. Notice the great things God is doing and declare His glory.

R - Repentance & Confession

Repentance: Acknowledge your struggles, trials, and shortcomings to God. Be upfront about your sins and let Him know you are genuinely sorry for them. This is not just remorse for getting caught, but real sorrow for choosing a false path. We acknowledge our sinfulness in contrast to His purity and confess who we are, considering who God is.

A - Asking & Intersession

Ask: Lay your specific requests before the Lord. There’s no need to be generic or “beat around the bush.” Share your needs, understanding that God already knows what you need before you ask, but He still wants you to ask. Pray for others. Bring the burdens of others before the Lord and intercede on their behalf. Nothing is too small or too big, just ask.

Y - Yielding & Honoring

Yielding: To yield to God in prayer is to submit to His plan and give him all glory. It involves choosing Him and what He is doing over what you want. Yielding puts Him in a position above you and above others. It can and should be stated in words in your prayer, but it’s practices over time as you preserve and trust in God’s timing. Continue to pray, wait, and watch for what God will do.