Some people find it helpful to use the model above when praying. Though there is no "proven formula", the above illustration does help us to understand the Lord's Prayer, which was modeled by Jesus in the Bible. It is composed of Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, Intercession, and Petition.
Praise - offering God the praise He deserves for the good things in our lives, as well as just adoration for His presence in our lives (for Who He is).
Thanksgiving - telling God thank you for those things that He has done and for those things He will do.
Confession - asking the Lord to reveal any hidden sin or hinderances in our lives. Asking him to cleanse us and make us pure through repentance.
Intercession - interceding for the needs of others and of the surrounding world by seeing and recognizing needs and praying for those needs.
Petition - asking God to move in our lives in a mighty way.
Praying is to enter the presence of God. In today's world we turn to worry, talking to a friend, fretting, fearing, but very seldom do we just stop whatever we are doing and pray to God, the only one who can truly help us in any given situation.
How do I pray?
Just offer honest and sincere words to God. There is no magic formula. You are off the hook from having to be perfect! All He wants is a sincere heart. Open yourself up to the Lord by simply talking to Him. It might be out loud of even in your mind. You could be in a group of people and offer silent prayers up to Him. He hears you and knows your heart.
