Prayer

Does prayer work?

Numerous studies have shown that people who regularly pray have a better quality of life, cope better and may heal faster from illness and injury, have fewer negative emotions and are generally kinder to others than those who don’t pray. The Bible itself says that people who pray will experience “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

How and where should I pray?

Simply put, praying is talking to God. There’s no wrong way or place to start or continue the conversation. You can sing, praise, cry, chat like to a good friend or solemnly petition. While some people like to pray alone in a quiet place, there’s no reason you can’t pray in a crowd or anywhere you are. Whether your words are spoken aloud, whispered, or silently offered, God will hear you.

VIDEO: How to Pray

How often should I pray? How long do my prayers need to be?

How often and how long you pray is a personal choice, and different situations call for different approaches. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” Many people start and end their days with prayer, pausing throughout the day to thank God for His blessings or ask for strength and guidance. Let your heart be your guide when talking to God—pray as often and as long as you need your conversations with Him to be.

What if I get distracted while praying?

Life is distracting, and we don’t always have the luxury of communing with God in a quiet, distraction-free place. As children, some of us learned to close our eyes and fold our hands—both are still smart ways to limit outside distractions when praying. If you’re praying without ceasing or taking a prayer break while doing other duties, distractions can happen. But it’s also good to plan uninterrupted time with God. This can be first thing in the morning, late at night, or hidden away in your car or quiet corner during the day. Some people find that starting a prayer journal, praying over a prewritten list of names or needs, and having a daily prayer routine can help them stay focused on what matters—a few quiet moments with our Lord.