5 Steps to Strengthen Your Prayers

5 Steps to a Solid Prayer Life

In the Bible, prayer is one of the core principles of a person's walk with God. The word "prayer" and its variations are mentioned approximately 529 times throughout Scripture. Additionally, the Bible records Jesus praying about 30 times in the New Testament.

Prayer is essential for anyone who truly desires to deepen their relationship with God. In this devotional, we’ll explore five practical steps to help you strengthen your prayer life.

1. Give Him Praise

The key to a strong prayer life is making your prayer about the Lord, not about yourself. Start your prayer by giving Him praise. The book of Psalms provides countless examples of the writer giving God praise.

In Psalm 145:1-2 (A Psalm of David), it says:
"I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever."

Notice how David doesn’t make this psalm about himself. He isn’t asking for anything. He’s simply praising God and giving Him the glory because he knows God is good. When you begin your prayer, give Him the praise He deserves!

2. Give Him Thanks

After giving Him praise, move on to giving God thanks. If you’re a born-again believer who trusts Christ as your Savior, thank Him for your salvation.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our daily comforts that we forget to be thankful for the small things: running water, having all our limbs, food in the fridge, clean air to breathe, and fresh water to drink.

Life could be so much harder, but by God’s goodness, we have the blessings we do. And don’t just thank Him for the good things—thank Him for the challenges as well.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us:
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

This verse calls us to maintain a grateful heart, trusting that God works all things for His purpose, even when life gets tough.

3. Pray for Others

Next, pray for others. As Christians, we are called to be meek, selfless, and to prioritize others above ourselves.

When Jesus spoke with the scribes in Mark 12, they asked Him what the greatest commandment was. Jesus replied:
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)

God calls us to love Him and to love others. When you pray, be sure to pray for others before praying for yourself. Train yourself to think of their needs first.

Remember, Jesus thought of you before Himself. He went to the cross to redeem our sins because He loved us. So, when you pray, let your love for others lead you to intercede on their behalf.

 

4. Pray to Do His Will

Matthew 26:39 says:
"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to the Father just before His trial and crucifixion. Even though He knew the suffering He would endure, He still said, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Jesus didn’t save Himself from the crucifixion. He prayed for God’s will to be done, even above His own desires.In our prayers, we should do the same. Ask God to guide you for His purpose. Praying for His will shows obedience, dependence, and a desire to put Him first.

5. Pray for Yourself

Finally, as you near the end of your prayer, it’s appropriate to pray for yourself and your needs. We all have wants and desires, and it’s okay to bring them to God as long as they aren’t sinful. However, we must be mindful of our intentions.

James 4:2-3 says:
"Ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

When praying for things like money, a car, or a house, examine your heart. Are you asking with selfish motives, or are you considering how these blessings can be used to further God’s kingdom? Let your prayers reflect a desire to honor God and advance His work, not just to satisfy personal desires.

All in all, if you want to build a solid prayer life, try following these steps when you pray—and in this order. First, start your prayer by giving God praise. Second, follow that with gratitude, thanking Him for what He’s done. Third, pray for others. Fourth, pray to do His will. And finally, wrap up by praying for yourself and your needs.

I hope this helps. God bless!