Prayer: A Discipline to Be Learned
For many, prayer feels like an enigma—a task we know we should do but often feel inadequate to perform. The good news? Prayer is not something we’re expected to master overnight. It’s a discipline to be learned, and every believer can grow in it. Imagine it like learning a new language: awkward at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature.
Learning by Doing
Think about learning to ride a bike. No amount of reading about balance or watching others pedal can replace the act of getting on the bike. Prayer works the same way. We learn to pray by praying. The Holy Spirit, described in Scripture as our helper (John 16:13), guides us in the process. Even when we don’t know what to say, the Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26).
Starting can be as simple as saying, “Lord, teach me to pray”—just as the disciples did in Luke 11:1. Begin with short, honest prayers. Thank God for specific blessings. Ask him for wisdom about your day. Over time, these simple conversations will grow into deeper communion.
Meditation: The Missing Link
One of the most transformative tools in prayer is meditation on Scripture. Often, we read the Bible, close it, and then try to shift into prayer. But this approach can feel disjointed. Meditation acts as a bridge, connecting God’s Word to our prayers. It’s like letting the truths of Scripture soak into your heart until they naturally overflow into conversation with God.
For example, take Psalm 23. As you meditate on the phrase, “The Lord is my shepherd,” reflect on how God has guided you. Let this inspire prayers of gratitude, confession, or requests for guidance. Meditation transforms prayer from a list of requests into a heartfelt dialogue rooted in God’s truth.
Learning from Others
Community plays a vital role in learning to pray. Just as the disciples learned by watching Jesus, we can grow by praying with others. Join a small group or prayer gathering. Listen to how others intercede, praise, and petition. This isn’t about mimicking their words but catching a glimpse of their heart for God.
At the same time, be cautious of empty repetition. Jesus warned against piling up “heaps of empty phrases” (Matthew 6:7). Authentic prayer comes from a genuine relationship with God, not from polished rhetoric. Focus on the principles of heartfelt prayer, not the performance.
Wisdom from the Past
Throughout history, believers have wrestled with prayer and left behind valuable lessons. Puritan writers often emphasized the connection between meditation and prayer. They believed that meditating on Scripture prepared the heart for meaningful prayer. As one Puritan put it, “Meditation is the mother of prayer.”
Consider the example of George Müller, a man known for his extraordinary prayer life. He discovered that starting his day with Scripture and meditation transformed his prayers. Instead of struggling to focus, his heart was filled with God’s Word, and prayer flowed naturally. His story reminds us that prayer is not about striving but about being nourished by God’s truth.
A Plan for Growth
Learning to pray requires intentionality. Here are a few practical steps:
- Link prayer with Scripture: Let your Bible reading guide your prayers.
- Pray with others: Join a prayer group or find a prayer partner.
- Read about prayer: Explore resources that deepen your understanding, such as biographies of prayerful saints.
- Set aside time: Schedule regular moments for prayer, even if it’s just five minutes a day.
No matter where you are in your prayer journey, remember that growth takes time. God delights in every step you take toward him. Prayer is not about perfection; it’s about progress. Let’s commit to learning, practicing, and growing in this vital discipline.