We always seem to get caught up in the hustle and bustle associated with our desire to spread good cheer during the Christmas season.
It is good to remember that our Father in heaven is waiting to hear what is on our hearts. The following tips and scripture (NASB translation) can be useful during this time to remind us why and how we can pray.
Pray Believing: Trust God to answer your prayers: “And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all” (Matthew 21:22).
Pray Constantly: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Pray for all things: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Pray Persistently– keep on praying: “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect any person. Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect any person, yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge said; now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long for them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8).
Pray with Humility: “And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. So, do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:5-8).
Pray in God’s Will: “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
Pray with Action: Do your part to act on your prayers: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).
Pray with Purity: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.” (Proverbs, 15:8).