If you're new to religion, whether it's Christian, Jewish, or Islamic, and want to start praying to God, follow these simple steps to get a great start on your daily time with God.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Before Praying
Step 1. Think about what you are going to pray for
Before you begin, think about what you are going to pray for. What are the things in your life that bother you? What are you grateful for? How do you want to bring God into your life? What questions do you have? These are things you might want to pray for. Knowing what to say in advance will make you feel clearer and more comfortable when you're praying.
Step 2. Consult your religious advisor or trusted friend
Once you have thought about some of the things you would like to talk to God about, consult with your priest, imam, rabbi, or a trusted friend or family member. Ask him what he thinks God might be able to help him in and what he thinks about his concerns and questions. It can open your eyes to questions and answers you never thought of.
Step 3. Find a good place to pray
When you are ready to pray, you will have to find a suitable place and time to pray to God. This should be a quiet place where you can devote a good amount of time and concentration to your conversation with God, to show Him your devotion.
However, if you feel the need to pray quickly and in a less than ideal situation, go ahead. You don't need to be in a special place for God to hear you. He will understand your suffering and care only that you love him in your heart and try to follow him
Step 4. Get all necessary or additional items
You may want to have some items when you pray, such as candles, the Bible, the remains of a loved one, or other items that are important to you. Have them available and respectfully organized.
Step 5. Plan to pray alone or with others
You will want to decide whether you feel it is better to pray alone or with others. Different creeds emphasize different methods, but you should not feel constrained by the normal conventions of your denomination. Do what you feel is right in your heart, even if it means singing your prayers in a church full of people or facing a wall alone in a corner.
Method 2 of 5: Praying a Basic Prayer (For Christians)
Step 1. Show respect
Show respect by humbling yourself before God. Dress simply (if possible), don't show your prayer proudly to those close to you, and pray on your knees with your head bowed (if possible).
Step 2. Read the Bible
You may want to start by reading a passage from the Bible that is important and meaningful to you. This will open your heart to the word of God and show Him your devotion.
Step 3. Thank God
Thank God for all his blessings. Thank him for the things that make you happy, that make your life better, or that make the world a better place. Understand that these blessings are God showing his love for his people and should be celebrated and appreciated.
Step 4. Ask for forgiveness
Ask God for forgiveness for the mistakes you made. Keep your heart open and remember that we all make mistakes: no one is perfect. While you may have trouble admitting or thinking about a mistake you made, you will somehow find that you can be better. Be honest and you will know in your heart that God forgives you.
Step 5. Ask for guidance
Ask for God's guidance. He's not a genius or some great wishing magician… He's just there to guide you on the path you should take. Ask him to take you and show you the right decisions and ways to improve yourself as a person, as well as the world and people around you.
Step 6. Pray for others
Pray for those you feel are in need of prayer. You can pray for your family, your friends, or for strangers. Ask God to show them His love and also to help them find their way when they are lost. Don't throw judgment on them or their problems: God is the only judge and He will do what is right.
Remember that people are not the devil or demons, they are souls just as you are and can be guided by God. Don't ask them to be punished, ask them to see their mistakes and ask for forgiveness, just like you do
Step 7. Close your prayer
Close your prayer in whatever way you feel is most appropriate. The most common way is to say 'Amen'.
Method 3 of 5: Praying a Basic Prayer (For Jews)
Step 1. Try to pray in Hebrew
Most denominations believe that praying in Hebrew is better, although God will understand any other language you speak.
Step 2. Try to pray with others
Jews prefer to pray more often and in groups, unlike Christian prayer, which is more individually focused. Pray with others if you can. It could be in the temple, with your family at home, or while you are away with your friends.
Step 3. Know each of the prayers for the different rituals
Instead of individual prayers determined daily, Jews prefer to recite blessings for different times of day, events and times of year. You will want to learn the different prayers and when they should be said, as well as the Holy Days that require special prayers.
Step 4. Pray individually if you prefer
If the normal ways of prayer aren't for you and you feel that you communicate better with God being alone and in your own way, that's fine. You can pray in the Christian method above and God will understand. He cares more about your devotion and obedience.
Method 4 of 5: Praying a Basic Prayer (For Muslims)
Step 1. Pray at the right times
Muslims pray at specific times of the day and you will need to learn and observe those times. You can search, ask your magnet, or get a useful app or program for your mobile device or computer.
Step 2. Get oriented
You will have to pray towards Mecca. This is an important part of prayer for Muslims. You will need to look for the correct direction in the area you live. Alternatively, you can get an app or program for your phone or computer that will act as a compass and point you in the right direction, no matter where you are.
Step 3. Sit down, stand up and move correctly
There are specific ways Muslims have to sit, stand, bow, or move their hands and bodies during prayer. This can be a little tricky and you might need to do some research. You can also learn by observing fellow Muslims, whether outside the home or at your local mosque.
Step 4. Open your prayer
Start your prayer right. Muslim prayer is much more specific and strict than Christian prayer. The default opening is to call "Allah - Wa - Akbar" and then recite the Isteftah Dua and Surah Al-Fatiha.
Step 5. Recite the Suras (chapters)
Recite the Suras appropriate for the time of day or being recited by your fellows nearby. If you are alone, you can recite the ones you believe are appropriate.
Step 6. Run the appropriate number of rakats
The rakats, or prayer cycles, are standardized and a different number of cycles is prescribed for each hour of the day. Know what the appropriate number is and try to accomplish at least that much.
Step 7. Close your prayer
End your prayers in the normal way by turning your head to the right and saying, "As Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu'." The angel who records your good works is on this side. Then turn your head to the left and say, "As Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu'." The angel who records your wrongdoing/injustice is on this side. Now, your prayers are over.
Method 5 of 5: After Praying
Step 1. Look for signs that God heard you
When you've finished praying throughout the day and beyond, look for signs that God has heard your prayers. Keep your heart open and look for ways He will try to show you the right way. You will know in your heart what is right.
Step 2. Do good for Him and keep your promises
If you promised God that you would improve yourself or try harder at something, you must keep your promise. Try your best, honestly and humbly, and God will understand and be pleased.
Step 3. Pray regularly
Don't just pray when you have a big problem. God is not a Band-Aid. Pray all the time and show Him the respect he deserves. Get into the habit and in time you'll be great at it.
Step 4. Help and pray with others
As you pray more, you will want to pray with others and bring others to understand how much they can gain from prayer. Bring them to God by helping them in an honest, humble and non-judgmental way, and they too can become inspired to come to know God like you.
Tips
- Pray whenever and wherever you need it, whether on the road, before a test, or before every meal.
- Always trust what you know is true in your heart. If a priest, leader, friend, or family member tells you something that makes you uncomfortable, pray for them. God will tell you what is right and you will feel safe and happy in your heart. No one but God can say what is right and what He wants.