A primary purpose of the Sanctuary is to hear prayer (Isaiah 56:7 ESV). People pray for their parents and for their children. They pray for their leaders and for their subjects. People also pray for themselves, for guidance, for wisdom, for fears and for blessings. Prayer is a gift. Here is how to pray for yourself.
- Thank God for his holiness.
- Consider his kingdom and purpose, and tell him that you want that in your life.
- Ask for your needs (but don’t ask amiss James 4:3).
- Ask for forgiveness and also for forgiveness for others who have hurt you.
- Ask God to keep you away from temptation, or to teach you to no longer be tempted.
- Ask God to protect you, or to give you strength during adversity.
- Honor God for his goodness.
In these things, use your own words. Don’t repeat. Be honest. Listen afterward. Here is how to listen.
- Exercise faith in God by believing that your prayer is answered (the way you want, or maybe not). If you fear that God does not answer prayers, then pray for faith. God listens (1 Peter 3.12).
- Remain quiet, meditate for some time. Sometimes, answers to prayer come in the form of an impression. Don’t let emotions get in the way. Avoid self-deceiving thoughts by making sure that impressions are not contrary to the Bible (Isaiah 8:20).
- Do you keep anything between you and God that is more important than your prayers? Pray for this first.
- Many times, you are the answer to your own prayers. Can you be an answer for your friend who needs help? It is quite possible that you can take action with blessing from God.