The topic of prayer is expansive. And rightly so—talking to God is a fundamental privilege of his people. It’s not only a spiritual discipline that we do as part of our growth in God’s Word, but it’s also an essential part of being a Gospel Mom who communes with God and abides in Christ. Prayer is talking with God as we pour out our hearts to him and think deeply about what he’s said to us in his Word. There are many types of and components to prayer, but here are some things to note:
Prayers can come in many forms. You can pray by talking out loud, thinking in your head, writing prayers down, singing (including “praying” a worship song or hymn), listening to or agreeing with the prayers of others, or reading God’s Word with a heart to use those verses as your own prayer. You can pray standing or sitting down or while walking or even while you’re in bed. Because God is everywhere and has full knowledge of what’s in your mind and heart, all you have to do is direct your thoughts to him, and you can engage in prayer.
Prayers don’t have to be a certain style or length. Even though in many cases, believers start by addressing God the Father in the name of Jesus and closing with a phrase like “amen” (which essentially expresses that we entrust all to the Lord), that’s not the only model for prayer. Prayers can be a word or a short phrase, long and drawn out, done with others, done in public, or done in private.
Prayers come from a place of reverence and humility. It’s okay to approach the throne of grace with joy and confidence through Christ. We can have warm, loving, and even lighthearted conversations with God (jumping and leaping and praising God or making a joyful noise to the Lord are just a few descriptions given of people who did this in the Bible), but we do want to remember that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe, that he’s holy and righteous. We don’t approach him like he’s a disposable friend or a genie in a bottle.
Prayers should be rooted in the things God has already said about himself in the Bible. Scripture verses make a great basis for prayer as we add our own thoughts, questions, and concerns. This helps us make sure we’re asking for things that are in accordance with God’s will. As mentioned above, prayer can take many forms, but a common tool to help us remember aspects of prayer we might want to cover is the mnemonic device commonly referred to as ACTS:
A: Adoration is praising God for who he is and what he’s done. This is a great way to start our prayer, and it can be the whole prayer we pray!
C: Confession is a chance to share and be transparent about our hearts with God, including areas where we’ve sinned, we’re fearful, or we’re struggling.
T: Thanksgiving is something God commands us to do in Scripture, and it’s a chance to remember that God is the giver of all things and has already given us so much grace.
S: Supplication is a big word that just means asking God for what we need or desire. There’s a reason why supplication is at the end of this particular model for prayer—because going through the other parts first helps shape our asking in ways that are more likely to fall in line with God’s revealed will and character.
This isn’t the only way to pray—for instance, in forms of prayer like lament, someone might spend almost the entire prayer in confession and supplication. The ACTS approach is just one example to practice.
Why should a Gospel Mom pray?
We know you have enough on your plate already (and you may feel talked out), but we promise that prayer won’t add burdens—it will lift them. When you pray, God will change your heart to further align your thoughts and motives with his Word. God will give you perspective and remind you of the part you play in the redemption storyline—to serve him and love others. As you pray, you’ll also become more and more aware of God’s presence and care. The more you talk with him, the more you’ll spot his hand in your life. Prayer is an active display of humility as you go to God for wisdom and clarity in your questions, concerns, and hard decisions. It’s like saying, “I don’t have all the answers, but I trust the one who does.” Also, moms are great at practically loving those in their care, but did you know that prayer is one of the very best ways you can care for others, especially in situations that are beyond what your hands and heart can handle? Finally, when you pray, you never know how God is going to use it. Maybe it was your prayers that God worked in and through as a means of healing or change or even salvation. When you pray, you can be an example to your husband, your children, and your community, where peace and hope are truly found.
As Gospel Moms, we pray to God and trust that through his Spirit, his Word, our circumstances, and the wise guidance of God’s people, we’ll be guided to walk more and more in his ways.
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Gospel Mom, by Emily A. Jensen and Laura Wifler, shows moms how to navigate their everyday decisions and current circumstances through a biblical lens, and experience the freedom and confidence in who God made them to be.
As friends, fellow moms, and expert guides, Emily and Laura walk you step-by-step through the practices and thinking of how to rest in the grace of Christ, gaining peace and assurance in your motherhood.
Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.
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