"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13, NKJV.
In this, popularly called the Lord's Prayer, Jesus gave an example of prayer. His disciples had asked Him to teach them to pray. Very simply, prayer is just talking to the Lord about problems you face, telling Him thanks for the solutions He's already given, and giving Him praise just because He deserves it.
Prayer doesn't need to be long winded, loud, or full of religious phrases--it just needs to be honest and fervent. One or one hundred sentences, he hears.
If you've read Psalms, you can see David and the other psalmists pouring out their complaints, but they ended their prayers with praise and thanksgiving. If you're mad at God, it's okay to tell Him. You might as well--because, you see, He already knew that. You might as well talk to Him about it.
If you're scared, that's okay to talk to Him about too. Or overjoyed about something. Or wanting something. Realize that, just like any good parent, sometimes the answer will be no or not now. The Bible says Jesus was tempted in all the ways that we are (Hebrews 4:14-16). So yes, He understands.
So, Lord, teach us to pray. Help us remember to always be honest with You and with ourselves. Help us remember to talk about the good as well as the bad. Hear us, Father, when we complain and when we praise from the heart. We love You above all, Lord. Amen.
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