Perhaps you want to teach about prayer but aren’t sure where to begin. Maybe you taught about it in the past but it didn’t seem to have much impact. Incorporate the following elements into your teaching and see if it makes a difference. (Click on the links within the post for added input.)
Begin by Getting to the Real Essence of Praying
Though a spiritual discipline we “ought to” do, praying is so much more. Through prayer we connect with the Almighty God, an outgrowth of our relationship with Him. While we could list a number of good reasons to pray, communion with the Lord ranks at the top. Help people develop the right purposes for praying.
Instruct People on What the Bible Says about Prayer
Let’s teach people to pray in a way that reflects who God is because who God is affects how He answers prayer. God’s Word provides valuable instruction, not just about the importance of praying but also what’s important when we pray. Jesus Himself gave pointers on how to pray.
Start teaching about prayer when people are young. The Children Learn to Pray Curriculum by Ministry Tools Resource Center uses the Lord’s Prayer as a starting point. For Bible lessons on prayer for all ages, go to: Teaching about Prayer
Remember the Power of Your Example in Teaching about Prayer
Look at Jesus for an example of the power of one’s own prayer life. — “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘”Lord, teach us to pray …'” (Lk. 11:1-4) — Imagine your students, disciplees, or congregants coming to you and ASKING YOU to teach them to pray.
Teaching prayer by examples requires the following on our part …
Authenticity
Consistency
Availability
When praying becomes part of our church culture, people notice. We don’t just talk about praying. We pray.
When we pray like we truly believe, people notice. We don’t just go through the motions of praying. We actually believe God hears us and cares.