January 24th | As a Child of God, Know How To Pray

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As you pray today using this pattern—praise first, then gratitude, confession, and intercession—may your heart draw nearer to God.

As a child of God, learning to pray effectively is one of the greatest privileges and disciplines we can embrace. Today, let's revisit a simple yet powerful structure for prayer, drawing from Scripture and the example Jesus gave us. This model—often summarized as beginning with praise, gratitude, confession, and intercession—helps us approach God with reverence, humility, and love for others.

1. Begin with Praise

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6, NIV)

In Luke 11, Jesus provides a brief but profound instructional manual on prayer through what we call the Lord's Prayer. Notice how He begins: “Father, hallowed be your name…” (Luke 11:2, NIV). This opening is an act of adoration—declaring God's holiness and worthiness. Starting our prayers by praising Him shifts our focus from our needs to His greatness. It sets a tone of worship and reminds us who we're speaking to: our holy, heavenly Father.

2. Express Gratitude

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

Thanksgiving keeps our hearts grounded and combats anxiety. It's easy to overlook the everyday blessings amid life's busyness, and sometimes we feel guilty for not being more grateful. Yet even in those moments, we can start with the greatest gift: thanking God for sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins and rise again to give us eternal life. From there, thank Him for your family, health, provision, a new day, or even small mercies like a kind word or safe travel. Naming specific blessings trains our hearts to see God's faithfulness everywhere.

**3. Confession**

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12, NIV)

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14, NIV)

Honest confession clears the way for deeper fellowship with God. In Psalm 51:9-12 (NIV), David cries out:

“Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Bring your shortcomings, attitudes, words, or actions before Him today. Ask for forgiveness, and commit to extending that same grace to others who have wronged you—because our forgiveness from God is tied to our willingness to forgive.

4. Intercession

Finally, lift up others in prayer. Pray for God's intervention, protection, provision, healing, and spiritual growth in their lives. A beautiful example is Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, where He intercedes for His disciples and for all future believers (including us!). He prays for their protection, unity, sanctification, and that they may know the Father’s love deeply.

Today, take time to pray specifically for family members, friends, church leaders, those who are hurting, missionaries, or even leaders in our nation and world. Ask God to prosper them spiritually and practically, to draw them closer to Him, and to meet their needs according to His perfect will.

As you pray today using this pattern—praise first, then gratitude, confession, and intercession—may your heart draw nearer to God. He delights in hearing from His children. Approach Him boldly, knowing you are loved and heard. Amen.