When you have news, good or bad, trouble or joys to share, to whom do you turn? For some of us it a close friend, for others a parent, sibling or other family member, maybe even a pastor or minister. We have an additional choice as Christians. We can, and should, also choose God. Just as we speak to a trusted friend or anyone else, we can pray confidently to God.

How to Pray According to the Bible

There are multiple places in the Bible where God speaks to this, asks us to come to Him in prayer. God spoke to Jeremiah saying,

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

We are also told in Hebrews 4:16 to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

What can we pray about?

The Bible tells us that we can pray about anything and everything. When we are in trouble, we can pray. When we are happy, we can sing songs of praise.

James 5 says,

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”

James 5:13 NIV

and

“the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

James 5:15 NIV

Other times we may not know what to pray about. God says,

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Romans 8:26 NIV

And how often should we pray?

God encourages us to pray continuously.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, God speaks to this directly. He says,

“Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Regardless of our life situation, God is always present to hear our joys and sorrows and accomplishments and failures.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

1 John 5:14

The Key to Praying Confidently

Prayer is a vital part of a Christian’s life. It allows us to communicate with God, express our thoughts and feelings, and seek guidance and comfort. By following the biblical principles and guidelines outlined, we can approach prayer with confidence and trust that God hears our requests.