Prayer is one of the most powerful tools God has given us, yet many of us struggle to cultivate a deep, consistent prayer life. When I reflect on my relationship with God, I realize that it has only deepened when I’ve spent intentional time talking with Him. Too often, people think of God as distant and abstract—someone who hears us from afar. But what if we began to see God as our best friend?
Imagine never speaking to your best friend and what a toll that would take on your relationship. Now, imagine what happens when you and your friend have a consistent and authentic conversation.
Our conversations with God should be just as natural and frequent as those we have with our closest friends.
When we pray, we approach God as a child, speaking to a loving father, as a friend, and as a member of His family. This kind of relationship invites us to be real and open, offering our full range of emotions without fear or hesitation.
Let’s explore some different ways to pray. One helpful framework is the ACTS model: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
Adoration is praising God for who He is—affirming His goodness, kindness, faithfulness, love, mercy, and grace. Confession brings us into humility, acknowledging when we have fallen short and strayed from His will. Thanksgiving invites us to express gratitude for God’s presence and provision in our lives, recognizing that every blessing comes from Him. Finally, Supplication is when we bring our needs and the needs of others before God, trusting Him as our provider and sustainer.
Using the ACTS model reminds us that prayer encompasses the full display of a genuine relationship—like the dynamic of a close friendship. So, how often should we pray? Scripture encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Martin Luther described even our deepest sighs as an intimate language of love toward God. I like to think of it as peppering your day with prayer—beginning the morning with prayer, ending the evening with prayer, and offering up thoughts and words of prayer throughout the day. There’s no rigid formula, no right or wrong way to pray—just an invitation to pray often.
Prayer can take many forms: journaling, spoken words, silent thoughts, one-word prayers, or simple conversations. One practice I’ve embraced is talking to God as if He’s sitting in the passenger seat of my car. This approach reminds me of God’s nearness and availability, encouraging an ongoing dialogue throughout my day.
Beyond personal prayer, praying for others and our community is vital. Intercessory prayer connects us with the needs of our neighbors, colleagues, and leaders. We can pray for our officials, those experiencing homelessness, those battling poverty, victims of abuse and oppression, and those affected by global conflicts. Our prayers extend God’s compassion and power to a hurting world.
Sometimes, we struggle with prayer because we overcomplicate it. We attach rules—like folding our hands, closing our eyes, or praying only at specific times. But prayer doesn’t require formality. It can happen in a thought, a word, or a quick reflection as you scroll through your day. When someone shares a need, don’t just promise to pray later—pray right then. Place a hand on their shoulder and lift them up in prayer without hesitation.
When we commit to a life of prayer, we see transformation.
In our city, we’ve been praying for our mayor to recognize the church’s role in fostering a healthy, vibrant, and thriving community. After five years of prayer, we’re seeing that vision become a reality as faith communities gain a voice and presence in the city’s agenda. I think of testimonies from those who have prayed for their spouses to come to faith, for their children to embrace the gospel, and for loved ones to return to the church. Prayer moves God to action—dispatching legions of angels, working in His time and His ways, always for our good and His glory.
As you think about your own prayer life, consider not only the impact it will have on you but also the impact it will have on others. Be a person of prayer. Pattern your life around prayer, lifting up both what you know and what you don’t. God has removed every barrier and turned His ear toward your voice. Watch and see the transformation that unfolds—over days, weeks, months, years, and decades—as a result of your faithful prayers.
