GROW IN FAITH 15 – How to Pray Simply

Speaking and Listening to God

Opening Prayer

Lord God,
Teach us how to pray.
Help us speak honestly to You
and listen with open hearts.
Amen.

Part One

What Prayer Is

Prayer is not complicated.

Prayer is speaking to God
and listening to Him.

You do not need special words.

You do not need to sound impressive.

God already knows you.

He knows your thoughts,
your worries,
your joys,
your questions.

Prayer is simply turning your heart toward Him.

The Bible says:

“Pray without ceasing.”

This does not mean speaking all the time.

It means remembering that God is near.

Scripture

“Pray without ceasing.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Think and Discuss

When do you usually pray?

Do you find it easy or difficult to pray?

What do people often ask God for?

Can you speak to God in your own words?

Listen without correcting.

Part Two

Four Simple Ways to Pray

Prayer can be very simple.

We can:

Thank God.

Ask for help.

Say sorry.

Praise Him.

You can pray in silence.
You can pray out loud.
You can use written prayers.
You can use your own words.

Jesus Himself taught us the Our Father.

Sometimes short prayers are powerful:

“Lord, help me.”
“Thank You.”
“Have mercy.”
“I trust You.”

God listens to honest hearts.

Guidance for Adults

Keep prayer natural.
Avoid turning it into a performance.
Children learn to pray by hearing adults pray sincerely.

Part Three

Learning to Listen

Prayer is not only speaking.

It is also listening.

Listening may mean:

Sitting quietly.

Thinking about a Scripture verse.

Noticing what is happening in your heart.

We do not always hear a voice.

But God speaks through:

Scripture

Conscience

Peace in the heart

Wise advice from others

Silence helps us hear.

Even one quiet minute
can teach us to listen.

Prayer grows through practice.

The more we turn toward God,
the easier it becomes.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for one minute.

Do not speak.

Simply say in your heart:

“Speak, Lord.”

Remain still together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Pray one short prayer each morning.
• Thank God for three things before sleep.
• Sit in silence for one minute each day.
• Pray before starting schoolwork or a task.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Pray without ceasing.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Fold your hands or kneel briefly.
Notice how your body becomes still.
Say: “Lord, I am here.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for listening to us.
Teach us to speak honestly
and listen carefully.
Draw us closer to You each day.
Amen.