Prayer That Changes Lives: Drawing Close to God Every Day

Unlock the power of simple, consistent prayer. Learn how prayer brings spiritual growth, guidance, and strength for everyday living. #MakingRadicalDisciples

9/1/20252 min read

Do you ever feel uncertain about how to pray, or wonder if your prayers really matter? In Lesson 6 of Making Radical Disciples, Daniel B. Lancaster gently reminds us: prayer is not a performance—it’s a relationship.

Jesus, Our Model of Prayer

Jesus prayed at every step of His journey. He rose early to talk with His Father, prayed before big decisions, and even prayed for those who hurt Him. Jesus teaches us that prayer is for every season—joy, sorrow, decision, or need.

When the disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus gave them a simple pattern:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…” (Matthew 6:9-13).
Prayer begins with worship, brings our needs, seeks forgiveness, and asks for strength.

The Gift of Simple, Honest Prayer

You don’t need fancy words to pray. God hears the quietest whisper and the loudest cry. Lancaster encourages us to pray honestly—about our joys, our fears, our hopes, and our struggles.

God’s ear is always open. Even when words are hard to find, the Holy Spirit helps us pray (Romans 8:26).

Why Pray?

Prayer changes things—starting with our hearts. It brings comfort, wisdom, and courage for daily life. Prayer is not a last resort; it is our lifeline.

Lancaster points out that real discipleship grows in prayerful soil. As we pray for others, listen for God’s direction, and thank Him for His goodness, our lives and our families are strengthened.

Practical Steps for a Growing Prayer Life

Set aside a regular time and place to pray, even if it’s just a few minutes.
Start with thanks and worship.
Be honest—share your heart, your worries, and your joys.
Pray for others by name.
Listen quietly for God’s voice.
Write down answers and blessings to remember God’s faithfulness.

Prayer Makes the Difference

Maybe you feel small or your prayers seem simple. But God uses every prayer—nothing is wasted. Every breakthrough, every comfort, and every new beginning often starts on our knees.

Take the next step in your journey: begin today with a simple prayer, and see how God meets you. Want to grow in prayer and discipleship?

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