How to Properly Start a Prayer
How to Properly Start a Prayer
Biblical Guidance for Approaching God with Reverence, Faith, and Transforming Power
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." (Matthew 6:9, KJV)
Dear friend, do you sometimes feel uncertain about how to begin praying? Perhaps you've started prayers with casual words like "Hey God" or "What's up, Lord," wondering if such informal greetings honor Him appropriately. Maybe you've stumbled through opening sentences, unsure whether to address God as Father, Lord, Heavenly Father, or another title. Or possibly you've rushed into presenting your requests without preparation, like bursting into a king's throne room and immediately demanding favors. These struggles are common among believers. Prayer is one of Christianity's greatest privileges—direct access to the Creator of the universe. Yet many Christians approach prayer casually, mechanically, or uncertainly, never experiencing the depth of communion God desires. How you start your prayers matters tremendously. The opening sets the tone, positions your heart, and determines whether you'll experience genuine encounter with God or merely recite religious words. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, beginning with specific instructions about addressing God properly.
Today, we'll explore biblical principles for starting prayer properly—approaching God with appropriate reverence while maintaining intimate relationship, preparing your heart before speaking, and establishing the framework for powerful, effective prayer. This isn't about rigid formulas or religious performance. It's about entering God's presence rightly, honoring Him appropriately, and positioning yourself to receive what He longs to give. When Jesus taught prayer in Matthew 6, He began with how to address God: "Our Father which art in heaven." This greeting balances intimacy (Father) with reverence (heaven). Similarly, your prayers should balance familial closeness with holy respect. God isn't your buddy or cosmic genie—He's the sovereign Lord who invites you into His throne room. How you start your prayers reflects your understanding of who God is and who you are in relation to Him. Let's discover together how to approach the Almighty in prayer with hearts prepared, spirits humble, and faith expectant, transforming prayer from religious duty into life-changing communion with the living God.
Prepare Your Heart Before Speaking to God
Before you utter a single word in prayer, prepare your heart. Prayer begins not with words but with heart posture. David wrote, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14, KJV). Notice the order: meditation of heart precedes words of mouth. Your heart's condition determines your prayer's effectiveness. A proud, distracted, or sinful heart hinders prayer. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18, KJV). Cherished sin blocks God's ears. Before praying, examine your heart. Are you harboring unforgiveness, bitterness, or known sin? Confess it. Are you distracted by worries, entertainment, or responsibilities? Quiet your mind. Are you approaching God casually or carelessly? Adjust your attitude. The Psalmist prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV). Invite God to search your heart before you pray, revealing anything that hinders communion with Him.
Creating Sacred Space and Time
Additionally, create physical and mental space for prayer. Jesus instructed, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6, KJV). Find a quiet place free from distractions. Shut out noise, turn off devices, and create sanctuary where you can focus completely on God. This doesn't mean you can only pray in perfect silence—sometimes you'll pray amid chaos. But for intentional, focused prayer, especially daily devotional time, eliminate distractions. Also, still your mind. Take deep breaths. Release anxieties and mental clutter. Some find it helpful to read Scripture briefly before praying, letting God's Word focus their thoughts. Others sit in silence momentarily, inviting the Holy Spirit to prepare their hearts. The key is transitioning from worldly concerns to spiritual focus, from hurried thinking to peaceful presence. Furthermore, come with humility and reverence. Remember who you're addressing: the holy, omnipotent, eternal God. "The LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him" (Habakkuk 2:20, KJV). Approach with holy fear—not terror but profound respect. You're entering the throne room of the King of kings. Come boldly because of Jesus' blood, but come reverently because of God's holiness. This heart preparation transforms prayer from casual conversation to sacred encounter, positioning you to meet with God genuinely.
Moreover, approach prayer expectantly, believing God will hear and answer. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). Come believing that God exists, that He hears you, and that He rewards those who seek Him. Doubt-filled prayers accomplish nothing. "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord" (James 1:6-7, KJV). Wavering prayers receive nothing. As you prepare to pray, stir up faith. Remind yourself of God's promises, His past faithfulness, and His love for you. Tell yourself: "God hears me. He loves me. He will answer according to His perfect will. I'm coming confidently because Jesus gave me access to the Father." This faith-filled expectancy positions you for powerful prayer that moves God's heart and produces results. Don't rush into prayer unprepared. Take time to quiet your spirit, confess sin, focus your mind, cultivate reverence, and stir up faith. This preparation is part of prayer itself, and it determines whether your prayers will be empty words or genuine communion with the living God.
Address God with Appropriate Reverence and Intimacy
How you address God at the start of prayer matters significantly. Jesus taught, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Matthew 6:9, KJV). Notice the balance: "Our Father" expresses intimate relationship, while "which art in heaven" acknowledges His transcendence and sovereignty. "Hallowed be thy name" means recognizing God's holiness and treating His name as sacred. Your opening should similarly balance intimacy with reverence. You can address God as "Heavenly Father," "Father God," "Lord Jesus," "Almighty God," "Holy Father," or similar titles that honor His character while expressing relationship. Avoid overly casual greetings that diminish His majesty. While God is your loving Father, He's also the sovereign Creator. Familiarity without reverence breeds contempt. Conversely, avoid cold formality that treats God as distant authority rather than loving Father. Balance is key: intimate yet reverent, personal yet respectful, warm yet holy.
Hallowing God's Name in Prayer
Furthermore, begin by hallowing God's name—acknowledging His character, attributes, and worthiness. Before presenting requests, worship Him. Declare His greatness: "Father, You are holy, mighty, faithful, and loving." Recount His attributes: "Lord, You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present." Praise His works: "God, You created the heavens and earth. You parted the Red Sea. You sent Your Son to save sinners like me." This worship-filled beginning accomplishes several things. First, it honors God properly, giving Him the glory He deserves. Second, it reminds you of who you're addressing, increasing faith and reverence. Third, it shifts focus from your needs to His greatness, putting problems in perspective. Fourth, it aligns your heart with God's, preparing you to pray according to His will. The Lord's Prayer models this: worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty precede personal requests. Also, acknowledge your position before Him. While you're God's beloved child through faith in Christ, you're also a finite creature addressing the infinite Creator. "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee" (1 Chronicles 29:14, KJV). Recognize your smallness and His greatness. This humility doesn't undermine confidence; it establishes proper perspective. You come boldly because Jesus' blood gives you access, but you come humbly because you're undeserving apart from grace. This combination of reverence, intimacy, worship, and humility creates the proper opening for powerful prayer.
Additionally, pray in Jesus' name from the beginning. Jesus said, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (John 16:23, KJV). Praying in Jesus' name isn't a magic formula tacked onto prayer endings—it means praying through Jesus' authority and according to His will. You approach the Father through the Son. You have no access to God apart from Jesus' mediation. Acknowledge this from the start: "Father, I come before You in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, through His blood that grants me access to Your throne." This keeps Christ central to your prayers and reminds you that every spiritual blessing flows through Him. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5, KJV). Jesus is your mediator. Every prayer must go through Him. Begin with proper address—honoring God's name, acknowledging His attributes, expressing relationship, maintaining reverence, and approaching through Jesus Christ. This foundation sets the tone for everything that follows, ensuring your prayers honor God while positioning you for effective intercession. How you start determines where you'll go. Start rightly, and your prayers will be powerful, pleasing to God, and productive of results that glorify Him.
Express Thanksgiving Before Making Requests
After addressing God properly, express thanksgiving before presenting requests. Paul commanded, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6, KJV). Requests should be accompanied by thanksgiving. Don't immediately ask for things; first thank God for what He's already done. This demonstrates gratitude, recognizes His past faithfulness, and reminds you of countless blessings you already possess. Ingratitude is sin that displeases God and hinders prayer. The Israelites' chronic ingratitude provoked God's anger repeatedly. Conversely, gratitude delights God and softens your heart, preparing you to receive more blessings. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name" (Psalm 100:4, KJV). Enter God's presence with thanksgiving. Don't barge in demanding favors; come thanking Him for past mercies.
Cultivating a Grateful Heart
What should you thank God for? Thank Him for salvation through Jesus Christ—the greatest gift imaginable. Thank Him for spiritual blessings: forgiveness, adoption, the Holy Spirit's indwelling, eternal life, Scripture, grace, and access to His presence. Thank Him for physical blessings: health, provision, shelter, family, friends, and daily bread. Thank Him for past answered prayers, demonstrating you remember His faithfulness. Thank Him for trials He's brought you through, showing trust in His purposes even in difficulties. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV). In everything—not just pleasant things—give thanks. This doesn't mean thanking God for evil itself but trusting His sovereignty to work all things for your good. Thanksgiving demonstrates faith that God is good, wise, and faithful regardless of circumstances. It also prevents entitlement mentality that treats God as cosmic vending machine obligated to grant wishes. When you begin prayer with thanksgiving, you acknowledge that everything you have is undeserved grace, making you humble and grateful rather than demanding and entitled. This posture pleases God and positions you to receive further blessings. Additionally, thanksgiving produces joy and peace. "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, KJV). Thanksgiving-filled prayer produces peace that guards hearts and minds. When you thank God before making requests, you shift from anxiety to peace, from fear to faith, from focus on problems to focus on God's goodness. This transformation is one of prayer's greatest gifts.
Furthermore, let thanksgiving flow naturally from remembering God's character and works. When you've spent time hallowing His name and recounting His attributes, thanksgiving follows easily. "Father, You are faithful—thank You for never forsaking me. You are loving—thank You for sending Jesus to die for me. You are powerful—thank You for victories You've given. You are wise—thank You for guiding me through difficult decisions." Connect God's character to specific blessings, making thanksgiving concrete rather than vague. This specific gratitude deepens appreciation and strengthens faith. Also, maintain thankful hearts throughout prayer, not just at the beginning. Even when presenting difficult requests or confessing struggles, weave thanksgiving throughout: "Lord, I'm facing this trial, but thank You that You're with me. I'm struggling with this temptation, but thank You for grace that forgives and strengthens. I don't understand this situation, but thank You that You're sovereign and good." Thanksgiving-saturated prayer maintains proper perspective, prevents complaint-filled prayers, and honors God even when seeking His help in desperate circumstances. Begin with thanksgiving, continue with thanksgiving, and end with thanksgiving. This transforms prayer from beggar's petition to worshiper's communion, delighting God's heart and enriching your own spiritual life immeasurably.
Confess Sin and Seek Cleansing Before Petitioning
After thanksgiving, confess any known sin before making requests. Unconfessed sin hinders prayer and blocks intimacy with God. David wrote, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18, KJV). Cherished sin prevents God from hearing your prayers. Isaiah warned, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2, KJV). Sin creates separation, hiding God's face and silencing His ears. Before asking God for favors, address sin that offends Him. This doesn't mean you must achieve sinless perfection before praying—if that were required, no one could pray. It means honestly confessing known sins rather than ignoring or minimizing them. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, KJV). Confession brings forgiveness and cleansing, restoring fellowship and opening communication channels.
The Practice of Confession in Prayer
How should you confess in prayer? First, be specific rather than vague. Don't pray, "Forgive me for all my sins"—this generic confession often masks specific sins you're avoiding addressing. Instead, name specific sins: "Father, I sinned by speaking harshly to my spouse in anger." "Lord, I indulged in lust through inappropriate entertainment." "God, I was prideful and critical toward my coworker." Specific confession demonstrates you're taking sin seriously rather than glossing over it with religious formulas. Second, take full responsibility without excuses. Don't blame others, circumstances, or the devil. While external factors may contribute to temptation, you chose to sin. Own it completely: "I sinned. I chose wrongly. I rebelled against Your will. It's my fault, and I'm responsible." This humble ownership pleases God and produces genuine repentance. Third, express genuine sorrow for offending God, not just regret about consequences. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" (2 Corinthians 7:10, KJV). Godly sorrow grieves that sin offended your loving Father. Worldly sorrow merely regrets getting caught or suffering consequences. Cultivate godly sorrow by considering how your sin grieves the Holy Spirit, dishonors Christ's sacrifice, and offends the Father who loves you. Fourth, commit to forsaking the sin, not just confessing it. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13, KJV). Confession plus forsaking equals mercy. Ask God for strength to resist future temptation and take practical steps to avoid repeating the sin. Fifth, receive forgiveness by faith. After confessing, thank God for forgiving you through Christ's blood and move forward without lingering guilt. Confession cleanses your conscience, restores fellowship, and positions you for effective prayer unhindered by sin's barrier.
Additionally, ask God to search your heart and reveal hidden sins you may not recognize. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV). We're often blind to our own sins—pride, selfishness, judgmental attitudes, subtle idolatries. Invite God to reveal what you don't see so you can confess and repent. This humble transparency demonstrates teachability and desire for holiness. Also, confess corporate sins and intercede for others. Daniel confessed Israel's national sins even though he personally hadn't committed them (Daniel 9:4-19). Similarly, confess sins of your nation, church, or community, interceding for corporate repentance. This priestly intercession honors God and may avert His judgment. Confession is essential to proper prayer. It maintains clean conscience, restores broken fellowship, removes barriers to intimacy, and positions you to approach God boldly through Christ's cleansing blood. Never skip confession in your rush to make requests. Deal with sin first, and you'll find your prayers become far more powerful and your communion with God far more intimate. God delights to hear and answer prayers offered by clean hearts walking in fellowship with Him.
🙏 A Model Prayer Opening
"Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, through whose blood I have access to Your throne. You are holy, mighty, faithful, and loving. You created all things, sustain all things, and accomplish all Your purposes. Hallowed be Your name. Before I bring my requests, I thank You for the gift of salvation, for Your Word, for Your Spirit who indwells me, for daily provision, and for answered prayers I've seen. Thank You for being faithful even when I've been faithless. Father, I confess my sins. I have [specific sins]. I take full responsibility. I'm sorry I offended You. Please forgive me through Christ's blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Strengthen me to walk in holiness. Search my heart and reveal any sin I haven't recognized so I can repent. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Now, with a clean conscience and grateful heart, I bring my requests to You, trusting Your wisdom, goodness, and power. In Jesus' name I pray."
Dear friend, how you start your prayers profoundly impacts their effectiveness and your spiritual growth. When you prepare your heart, address God reverently, express thanksgiving, and confess sin before making requests, you position yourself for genuine communion with the living God. Prayer becomes far more than reciting wish lists—it becomes intimate encounter with your heavenly Father who delights in your company and desires to bless you abundantly. Don't rush through prayer beginnings. Take time to enter His presence properly, honoring Him as He deserves and preparing your heart to receive what He longs to give. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8, KJV). Draw near properly, and He will meet you powerfully. Your prayer life will be transformed from religious duty to life-giving communion that sustains you through every trial, guides you in every decision, and fills you with joy unspeakable. Start your prayers rightly, and watch as God transforms not just your prayer life but your entire walk with Him.
For more biblical teaching on living with unwavering commitment to Christ, explore our resources. Discover how to read the Bible for spiritual growth and learn about living by godly principles.