Lesson 4: What Is Prayer, and How Do I Pray?

Foundational Study for New Believers – S.T.A.D Digital Ministry
www.staddigitalministry.com

Key Scripture:

Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Introduction:

Prayer is simply talking with God—and listening too.
It’s not about fancy words or long speeches. It’s about relationship. God wants to hear your voice. He delights in your prayers, even the simple ones.

If reading the Bible is how God talks to you, then prayer is how you talk to God. And through it, you’ll grow deeper in your walk with Him.

Why Pray?

🙏 To Build Relationship

• God wants you close to Him.

• James 4:8 – “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

📖 To Align with His Will

• Prayer changes us before it changes circumstances.

• As we pray, we begin to think and feel like Jesus. (Luke 22:42)

💪 To Ask for Help

• Jesus invites us to ask.

• Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you…”

🕊️ To Find Peace and Strength

• When we pray, we surrender our anxiety to God.

• Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… but in every situation, by prayer… present your requests to God.”

How Should I Pray?

You can pray anytime, anywhere, about anything.
But here’s a simple pattern to help you:

The ACTS Model of Prayer:

A – Adoration
Start by worshiping God. Praise Him for who He is.

“Lord, You are faithful, holy, and full of mercy.”

C – Confession
Be honest about your sins and struggles. Ask for forgiveness.

“Forgive me for my impatience and anger today.”

T – Thanksgiving
Thank God for His blessings—big and small.

“Thank You for Your love, Your Word, and this new life I have in You.”

S – Supplication (Requests)
Ask God for what you need—for yourself and others.

“Please give me wisdom for today. Help my family to know You.”

Do I Have to Close My Eyes or Kneel?

No. While those are common ways to focus, you can also pray while walking, driving, lying in bed, or doing dishes.
The key is your heart posture, not your body position.

What If I Don’t Know What to Say?

That’s okay! The Holy Spirit helps us when we’re unsure.

Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… the Spirit Himself intercedes for us…”

You can also pray Scripture, such as Psalm 23 or the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13).

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you talk to God daily? If not, what’s holding you back?

2. What would change in your life if you made prayer a daily habit?

3. Have you ever tried writing your prayers in a journal?

Prayer:

Father God, thank You that I can talk to You freely and openly. Help me to grow in prayer, to come to You with my joys and my struggles. Thank You that You hear me, even when I don’t have perfect words. Teach me to listen and walk closely with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.