A study by researcher Dr. Caroline Leaf is trending online. Her findings show that 12 minutes of daily prayer for a length of 8 weeks can alter our brain chemistry and improve our quality of life. Science confirms what Scripture has always proven: prayer transforms. But what is prayer, what does the Bible say about prayer, what should we pray about, and how should believers pray?

What is Prayer?

Prayer is a means of communicating with God in various ways, including verbal expressions, and it can also be expressed in writing. Healthy communication or prayer time with God should also include moments of silence so you can hear from the Holy Spirit. How can you hear when you are always speaking?

What Does the Bible Say About Prayer?

The Bible encourages us to:

• Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18),

• Pray about everything (Philippians 4:6), and

• Keep our prayers simple and sincere (Matthew 6:7-8).

In other words, our prayers should be clear, constant, and concise.

The Bible also discusses biblical characters with healthy prayer lives. One character who comes to mind is Hannah. Hannah struggled with fertility and ridicule due to being barren. In 1 Samuel 1:10-11, Hannah prayed desperately to God for a son, and her prayer was answered. Later, she was blessed with a son named Samuel. Fast forward to 1 Samuel 2: Hannah’s Prayer of praise is recorded. Hannah prayed without ceasing and kept her prayer simple but sincere.

What Should We Pray About?
Understanding what the Bible says about prayer, along with examples such as Hannah's Prayer, helped reshape my approach to how I view prayer. Early in my faith, I recall praying only for the material things I desired, such as better jobs, cars, and homes.

As I grew spiritually, I realized the importance of praying for things that were more beneficial to my well-being, such as healing from the effects of my challenging upbringing. For example, I used to struggle with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence due to being bullied and being in unhealthy relationships. As I spiritually matured, I began to pray more intentionally, including praying for healing in how I viewed myself. Through the power of prayer, I now have a healthier perspective of myself.

Therefore, I would say you can pray about anything; the possibilities are endless. Matthew 21:22 confirms this: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” However, it is wise to understand that many prayers go unanswered, and the reasons they do vary. Does that mean this verse contradicts itself? No, if you read this verse in context, as you should all verses, you will come to understand:

Jesus is emphasizing the power of faith, not giving us a blank check for everything we desire.

You should also understand that all requests and prayers are still subject to God’s will. He doesn’t always respond as or when we expect. Sometimes, His answer to our prayers is no, not yet, or even long bouts of silence.

The posture of our heart also matters. A surrendered heart doesn’t demand answers; it trusts God’s timing and rests in His will. That’s why it’s so vital to end our prayers with “If it is Your will.”

Our prayer requests should align with God’s plan for our lives, and honestly, God’s plan is always greater than ours, even when we don’t understand it in the moment (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Even Jesus did this. Before going to the cross, He prayed:

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” -Luke 22:42 (NIV)

If Jesus submitted to the Father’s will in prayer, we should follow His example because the whole point of our faith as Christians is to be more like Jesus.

How Should We Pray?

Honestly, there is no formula or right-or-wrong way to pray. Sometimes, I like to write my prayers in my digital and physical journals. Other times, I’m talking to God as I would talk to a parent.

If you prefer a more structured approach or need a guide to get started, here are two simple methods to help during your prayer time.

1. ACTS:

   • Acknowledge: Praise God for who He is.

   • Confess: Confess your sins and ask for forgiveness.

   • Thankful: Express gratitude for His blessings.

   • Supplication: Present your requests to Him.

2. PUSH:

   • Pray

   • Until

   • Something

   • Happens

Your 8-Week Challenge
I challenge you to commit to 12 minutes of prayer every day for the next 8 weeks. Focus on being intentional with your prayers; try one of the methods above; submit your requests to God’s will; and don’t forget to stop and listen for God’s voice as you pray.

Finally, I pray this article has blessed you as much as it has blessed me to write. I pray that you spend more time with the Father in prayer, but also in His Word.

About the Author

Dr. India B is a Bible teacher and transformational ministry leader who teaches and encourages Christians through God’s Word to move them from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity.

I teach. God transforms.

– Dr India B.