Let's Pray

By: Kelly Russell

Monday, August 24, 2026

Pray at all times... Ephesians 6:18

Scripture teaches that we are to pray always: when we are sick and when we are well; when we have enough or need a little more. There was a time when I didn't know how to pray and the thought of it made me uncomfortable, especially praying with other people.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided an outline on how to pray. Commonly called the Lord’s Prayer, this is really our prayer. My summary of this passage is:

Dominion, recognition, admonition, provision, redemption, protection, and exaltation.

Matthew 6 uses the words “when” and “if” several times. This conditional language helps us understand the outcome of our actions. I encourage you to make note of these words in your Bible.

Some may also wonder, “why” do we need to pray. Two reasons are intimacy and dependency.

1. Our Father is in heaven, but He is also very personal. The depth of our relationship depends on the condition of our hearts (Matthew 5:8).
2. We seek God because we stumble on our own. Prayer is not to inform God, but to transform us (2 Corinthians 3:18).

So, now that we see the foundation of prayer, let’s pray:

Oh Father, thank you that you are the all-sufficient, El Shaddai. I acknowledge your sovereignty and lean on your wisdom, not my own understanding. You’ve called me to seek your face, choosing the better thing—your presence over my performance. Thank you for meeting me in the secret place where I am safe. I confess my sins and receive your forgiveness. Your name is Holy and my heart is humble. Lord, I ask that your will be done in my life. I deny myself and take up my cross to follow wherever you lead me. Thank you for knowing what I need and just how to supply it, according to your riches and glory.

Abba Father, search me and reveal areas that are displeasing to you. Thank you that you are my very present help—my shield and very great reward. Thank you for delivering me from darkness into your marvelous light. I will fear no evil, for your rod and staff protect and guide me. Because you defeated death, I can live in victory in the midst of any trial. Keep me hungry and thirsty for your Word, sanctifying me by Your truth. Strengthen me with power through the Spirit in my inner being. Remind me that your grace is sufficient. I will trust you with all my heart, fixing my eyes on things above, and giving thanks in every circumstance.

Read: Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Peter 4:7