Prayer isn’t about fancy words or long-winded speeches. According to Jesus, it’s about sincerity, faith, and a personal connection with God. Whether you’re new to prayer or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, learning how Jesus prayed—and how He taught us to pray—can bring peace, clarity, and a sense of purpose.
Let’s break it down in a way that feels natural and relatable. Grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s talk about how to pray according to Jesus.
What Are the Three Ways to Pray According to Jesus?
Jesus didn’t just teach about prayer—He showed us different ways to pray through His own life. Here are three key ways Jesus approached prayer:
1. Pray in Private
Jesus emphasized personal, intimate conversations with God. In Matthew 6:6, He said:
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Prayer isn’t for show—it’s for connection. While group prayers are powerful, personal prayers help build a deep relationship with God.
2. Pray with Humility
Jesus warned against prideful, performative prayers. He contrasted a self-righteous Pharisee’s loud public prayer with a humble tax collector’s simple plea: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The message? God listens to a sincere heart, not impressive words.
3. Pray with Persistence
In Luke 18:1, Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow who kept asking a judge for justice until he granted her request. His point? Keep praying. God isn’t ignoring you—He hears every word, even when it feels like He’s silent.
How to Pray to Jesus Correctly?
There’s no rigid formula, but Jesus did give us guidance on how to pray effectively. Here’s a simple approach:
- Start with Praise – Acknowledge who God is. Something as simple as “Lord, You are good and faithful” sets the tone.
- Be Honest – Jesus didn’t sugarcoat His prayers. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Tell God what’s on your heart—joys, worries, doubts, all of it.
- Ask for What You Need – Whether it’s strength, guidance, or help for a loved one, Jesus encouraged asking: “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7).
- Pray for Others – Jesus prayed for His disciples, His followers, and even those who crucified Him. Following His example, lift others up in prayer.
- End with Trust – Whether the answer is “yes,” “no,” or “not yet,” trust God’s plan. Close your prayer with gratitude and faith.
What Did Jesus Say About How We Should Pray?
If you’re looking for a blueprint straight from Jesus, the Lord’s Prayer is it. In Matthew 6:9-13, He gave His disciples a model prayer that’s still recited by millions today:
“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.”
It covers everything—praise, surrender, provision, forgiveness, and protection. If you’re ever stuck on what to say, start with this prayer and personalize it from there.
Bringing Prayer Into Your Daily Life
Prayer isn’t just for Sundays or desperate moments—it’s meant to be woven into everyday life. Here are a few simple ways to stay connected to God through prayer:
- Morning Prayer: Before checking your phone, take a moment to thank God for a new day.
- Short, Spontaneous Prayers: You don’t need an hour—just whisper a quick “God, help me” during a stressful moment.
- Gratitude Prayer: At night, list three things you’re thankful for.
- Pray with Others: Whether with family, friends, or your church community, group prayer strengthens faith.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Real
Jesus didn’t complicate prayer, and neither should we. It’s not about the right words—it’s about the right heart. So whether you’re whispering a prayer while driving, pouring your heart out in tears, or reciting the Lord’s Prayer, know that God is listening.
How do you like to pray? Let’s share and learn from each other in the comments!