Prayer. Such a simple yet complex thing. On one hand, when it boils down to it, you’re just talking to someone. On the other hand, that someone is the most important and powerful individual you'll ever meet. So, are there any guidelines that we must follow? Not really, although in Matthew 6 Jesus does give the disciples the model prayer. While there aren’t any mandatory prayer guidelines, here’s one that’s optional that can help your prayer life. When you pray, try implementing this acronym that was derived from that model prayer, P.R.A.Y.
P stands for praise. When you open your prayer, start by praising God for who he is. Tell him who he is and what he means to you. For example, “Lord Jehovah who reigns with majesty, worthy are you to receive glory above all others...” When Jesus said that prayer, he opened with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” We serve a mighty God! When you pray, begin with praise!
R stands for repent. We all have sinned, and those sins need forgiveness. After you address our Father and praise him, let him know what you’ve done. Acknowledge that you’ve done that act and confess it. He knows what you have done, ask him to cleanse you. This comes from Jesus saying, “Forgive us our debts.”
A stands for ask. The most common (in my opinion) use for prayer is to ask God for things. Deliverance from evil, guidance through a job change, etc. James 1 talks about praying for wisdom. Pray for wisdom! Pray for Him to help you show the fruits of the spirit! Pray for sister so and so as she’s going through a trying time. Jesus says, “Give us this day our daily bread,” you should ask too.
And finally, Y. Y stands for yield. This is portrayed in “Your kingdom come; your will be done.” When you get to the end of the prayer, let God know that you still realize that he’s in control and his will is more important. For example, “Father I have asked these things of you, but even still, I yield to your will. I want your will and the things that glorify you to be carried out. I want your name to be glorified.” No matter what, He should be glorified. His will should be enacted.