After observing Jesus praying, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray just as John the Baptist had taught his disciples (Luke 11:1).

Is there any thing more important then learning to pray? I find it interesting that Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, but He did teach them how to pray.

How should we pray?

While we can’t consider all the ways we should pray, here are several significant aspects of prayer.

First, pray seeking wisdom and guidance. When Jesus called His disciples, the Gospel of Luke shows that He spent all the preceding night in prayer. If Jesus needed guidance, how much more do we need the wisdom and direction of God?

Second, pray for your friends and the people around you. What a blessing to have people who will pray for you as you go through life!

How sad that there are people for whom no one prays. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

Third, pray for lost people. I encourage people to have a list of lost family and friends for whom they pray to be saved on a regular basis.

When you pray, ask that they your lost friends might be sensitive to the work of God in the world. Pray that they might hear God’s voice and that you would have an opportunity to share the gospel.

Fourth, pray seeking God‘s blessings. Jesus told his disciples to pray for daily bread, forgiveness, and for strength in temptation (Luke 11:3–4). These and other areas should be a constant part of our prayer lives.

Finally, pray seeking the presence of God. Jesus encouraged us to pray knowing that God hears our prayers. He also reminded us how God is faithful to hear and to give. If we, being evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more does God give His gifts and His presence?

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!