How to Use The P.R.A.Y. Model

Have you ever sat down to pray and thought, what do I even pray about? If we aren’t careful, we can overcomplicate prayer and get stuck in our heads.

Prayer Is Simple

Here’s the good news: Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Prayer, in its most simple definition, is talking with God. It is an opportunity to have a conversation with God—to know Him and be known by Him.

We all know what it’s like to pray in the midst of a desperate situation. It’s easy to pray in times of need—but quickly forget to pray when life is going well or simply because we want to build our relationship with God. Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. Corrie Ten Boom says, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” 

We need to make prayer a part of our lifestyle—a steering wheel that can help direct our lives. In Mark 1:35, we read, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” If Jesus made a habit of prayer, we also need to make prayer a regular part of our lives. 

Here’s Pete Greig’s simple P.R.A.Y. formula: 

P = Pause

Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Pausing means giving yourself space to slow your mind down and reflect on God’s goodness. Take a moment to shift your posture from the busyness of life to stillness in His presence. 

R = Rejoice

Philippians 4:4 tells us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Rejoicing means taking time to thank God for who He is and all He has done. Express to God what you are grateful for, such as your friends, family, church, health, and salvation. Think about all the answers to prayer you are living in today, and thank God for how far He’s brought you. If you are facing challenges, thank God for His faithfulness and that He’s still the same God who works miracles today.

A = Ask

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Take time to present your requests to God in faith. Presenting our requests is bringing God what we can’t do to make space for what He can do. God cares about your needs and desires. God might not always answer your prayers the way you want or on your timetable, but He wants you to continue to come to Him in faith. 

Y = Yield

James 4:6 tells us, “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

God wants us to trust Him and His way. Take time to surrender to Him. Follow God’s leading in prayer and listen for His direction and clarity. Remove distractions and write down any thoughts or verses that come to mind during this time. 

Remember the simple P.R.A.Y. model as you enter your prayer time: pause, rejoice, ask, and yield. Remember, prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. God wants a relationship with you, and that’s what it’s all about!