How to Pray to God: Examples from the Bible and Prayer Postures

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Prayer is a way we communicate with God daily, and during difficult seasons in our lives.

Prayer is important because it positions ourselves against the enemy, and strengthens our relationship with God.

Unfortunately, distractions and lack of motivation can often hinder our prayer life. But when we strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, we enter into a secret place, where the Lord becomes our refuge and He fights our battles.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

When we pray to God there is a shift of atmosphere in our favour, that might not be visible right away.

But something does happen.

And at the right time God will align things into place, working in our favour, causing miracles to happen.

You may be praying for a healing, a financial breakthrough or for your loved ones to be saved.

Regardless of what you pray for, God is working out a plan, that will be fulfilled in accordance with His perfect will. But prayer even in the midst of trouble is a powerful act of faith, as we are relying on the promises of God and not in our own strength.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17

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How Praying to God is Life Changing

Elijah prayed earnestly, and it did not rain.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. James 5:17

When Hezekiah turned his face to the Lord and prayed, he was healed of his illness.

“Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’” 2 Kings 20:5-6

In deep sorrow, Hannah prayed to the Lord for a child and the Lord blessed her.

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 1 Samuel 1:10

So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 1:20

Many had immense faith in Jesus, and He healed them.

When those who were oppressed with sickness and disease called out to Jesus in faith, they were healed. These are just a few of the many healing miracles of Jesus, that were released to those who believed in Him.

The Faith of the Centurion (Matthew 8:5)
Jesus healed a paralyzed man (Matthew 9:2)
He healed a woman’s daughter (Matthew 15:28)
Jesus heals a blind man (Mark 10:52)
Woman with the issue of blood is healed by faith (Luke 8:48)

Likewise, Jesus also questioned those who were of little faith:

Lack of faith in the midst of a storm (Matthew 8:26)
Another result of a lack of faith (Matthew 13:58)
Fear and doubt (Matthew 14:31)

Jesus said,

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1

How to Pray to God

Jesus came to earth not only to offer Himself up as a living sacrifice for our sins, but also to set an example of how we are to live.

He was humble, compassionate, loving, caring, slow to anger and prayed. His prayer life is one to be copied and followed by us.

He is our best teacher who taught us how to prayer with the Our Father prayer.

Jesus begins the prayer with, Our Father in Heaven.

Address our prayers to the Father

This shows us that when we start a prayer, we are to address it to God the Father.

Give God the Glory for He is Holy

In our prayer, we are to also give glory to God, allow for God’s will to be established in our lives, be thankful and ask for forgiveness.

May the Will of God be Established for our Lives

Ask that God may establish His plans over our lives, so that we may live according to His will on earth.

Steer Away from Distractions

Pray that God may give us the strength and wisdom to walk in His will, and to defeat any form of temptation that distracts us from God.

Forgiveness and Deliverance

Repent and ask God to forgive our sins and deliver us from the plans of the enemy, by overwriting it with His wonderful plans.

In Jesus Mighty Name

Finally, we end the prayer in the name of Jesus, who is the only name by which we can make our requests known to the Father.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Prayer Posture and Positions

While the positions, time of the day or how we pray to God, may not be as essential as prayer itself, it is a humbling experience to present ourselves with humility before our Creator.

He is the only Sovereign, Almighty God who deserves all the praise, glory and honour. Getting into a prayer posture not only exalts God, but it also heightens our understanding of how powerful God is, making our troubles look smaller than we think.

Here are some biblical examples of how people prayed to God;

Daniel prayed three times a day – Daniel 6:10

We can pray with our hands lifted – 1 Timothy 2:8

Jesus teaches us to pray in secret – Matthew 6:6

Our Lord Jesus prayed in the morning – Mark 1:35

He also prayed in the evening – Luke 21:37

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Moses stretched his hands toward Heaven – Exodus 9:22-23

Hezekiah prayed against a wall – 2 Kings 20:2

Ezra prayed kneeling – Ezra 9:5

Pray standing, read and meditating on scriptures and worshipping – Nehemiah 9:3-5

Bowing to the ground – Exodus 34:8

God commanded Moses take off his shoes when He was standing before God near the burning bush – Exodus 3:5

Prayer and fasting – Acts 14:23

The Lord Jesus prayed in desolate places – Luke 5:16

Sometime when it is either too hard to pray because of circumstances, simply remaining in silence while aligning our hearts with God, can also cause supernatural shift in our favour – Luke 1:37

Final Words on How to Pray

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

It is through the Holy Spirit that we gain understanding, knowledge and wisdom for discernment.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity who lives inside believers, providing a source of comfort and strength. Whether we find difficulty in understanding scripture or praying, by asking the Holy Spirit to lead us, He gives us the guidance we need.