But, “Why?, But, “How?”, But, “When?” , But “Where?”
January 21, 2008 by adavant
Filed under Articles & Advice, Just For Teens
I just recently started helping with Acteens at my church, a mission organization for teen girls ages 12-18. I enjoy being a part of this ministry as I was an Acteen myself a few years ago. This month the girls topic is prayer. I know that for teens especially younger teens, but for all of them it may be hard to understand “Why” they should pray, “How” they should pray, “When” they should pray and “Where” they should pray.
These are all questions I’m sure many of us have asked ourselves in the past. “Why should I pray?” Well the Bible is very clear that God wants us to communicate with him. He even says that we should, Philippians 4:6 explains, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We pray because God knows that there are things that we need his guidance, his love and his support on. He does not want us to worry or be anxious and therefore we should pray. I have come to learn that on the days I worry the least are the days I have prayed the most.
“How should I pray?” Prayer is not meant to be complicated. Though we aren’t suppose to go to God only with our “wish lists”, we are suppose to come to Him like a trusted friend. We should feel comfortable enough talking to God that we have a conversation with Him, talking but also listening for Him to answer us. Prayer is to be a private conversation between us and God, it is described in Matthew 6:6, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
“When should I pray?” If you’re familiar with Scripture you may have heard the verse, “Pray without ceasing.” Do you literally have to be down on your hands and needs all the time praying to Lord, well of course not. HOwever, God’s desire is for you to be so comfortable talking to him that you can stop and whisper a prayer to Him anytime throughout your day when you feel you need an listening ear. He is always there and is always ready and willing to listen to you.
Finally, “Where should I pray?” An earlier Scripture spoke of praying in secret, yes, we should never pray to draw attention to ourselves or for show, but we can also join together with other believers to pray. We can have prayer partners, prayer meetings, and other times of prayer to assemble together and talk to God, for the Bible says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 God will always come to be with you when you pray, whether alone or with others. The important key is that you PRAY!
I hope that this has answered any questions that may arise for you about prayer. Prayer is such a important connection that we have to the Lord. I hope that you will take advantage of it. Listen to Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show this week to learn about an important prayer from scripture, “The Prayer of Jabez” and a book written on the topic, which can be bought in a teen version as well, The Prayer of Jabez for Teens (Breakthrough Series)
