Over the years, I have used or learned various prayer models. Feel free to use one of these or rotate through them to keep your approach from growing stale.
1. The Lord’s Prayer. The model that Jesus offers is the best.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come . Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses (debts), as we forgive those who trespass against us (our debtors). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
2. The Jabez Prayer is found in I Chronicles 4:9-10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
The Jabez prayer is a very different prayer. First, it asks for God’s blessing. But it is not just about giving me more stuff. Enlarging my territory has more to do with responsibility and influence. Asking for God’s hand to be with you is a partnership, Allowing God to take you to new places. And the prayer asks for protection in closing.
Some people use this as an outline. Some recite it, similar to the Lord’s Prayer.
3. The ACTS prayer is a four-part prayer reminder.
A- Adoration. Begin with worship and praise. C- Confession. Confess your sins and shortcomings. T- Thanksgiving. Focus on what God has done. S- Supplication. Bring your requests to God.
4. The PAPA Prayer was developed by Dr. Larry Crabb
The PAPA Prayer A. Present Yourself to God • Stop Trying to Be Who You Think You Should Be • Enter Your Red Dot—Don’t Just Describe It. Larry used the idea of the map in a mall or shopping center. The You are Here Dot. Karry suggests that you be honest with where you are in life. Lord, this is where I am at. B. Attend to How You’re Thinking of God • Be honest, Who Do You Think You’re Talking to? • Who Has God Shown Himself to Be? C. Purge Yourself of Anything That Blocks Your Relationship with God • Who Do You Turn to When You’re Scared? • Abandon Yourself to God’s Holiness D. Approach God As the “First Thing” in Your Life • You Will Hear God’s Voice • Become Someone God Can Really Enjoy
Keys for success:
-Set a Time -Set a Place -Develop a Habit