How Prayer Begins
Read: Genesis 4:25-26 At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD. (v. 26) Do you remember your first prayer? What did you say? I remember a
Jon Opgenorth November 1, 2024
Do you ever wonder how to begin praying? Maybe you’ve prayed before, but it felt awkward or uncertain. Or perhaps you’re new to prayer altogether. There is no perfect formula—just a heartfelt connection to God. This devotional plan is designed to guide you through the foundations of prayer by reflecting on prayers found in Scripture. From the first recorded prayers in Genesis to the bold cries of believers in the New Testament, we will explore the many ways people call on God.
Prayer isn’t about having the right words; it’s about opening your heart. As you journey through these devotionals, you’ll discover prayers of thanksgiving, desperate pleas for help, and expressions of worship. You’ll meet biblical figures like Hannah, David, and Paul and believers praying today around the world.
Over the next two weeks, grow in your prayer life through these faith-filled examples. Whether you’re praising God in moments of joy or seeking his strength in times of struggle, remember that he is always listening. So why not begin today? Simply call on his name.
Read: Genesis 4:25-26 At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD. (v. 26) Do you remember your first prayer? What did you say? I remember a
Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-20 I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. (v. 15) Hannah is desperate. Her rival taunts her for being childless, which only compounds her disappointment.
Read: Isaiah 6:1-7 Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts. (v. 3) I am privileged to pray with myriads of people around the world. I’ve noticed that people often begin
Read: Psalm 51 Cleanse me from my sin! (v. 2) David was the king by which all future kings of Israel would be compared. He foreshadows our eternal King, Jesus.
Read: Psalm 24 The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! (v. 10) On the many occasions that I have prayed with the Words of Hope Uganda ministry
Read: Psalm 139 In your book were written . . . the days that were formed for me. (v. 16) Life expectancy in the United States is around 75 years.
Read: Matthew 6:5-15 Pray to your Father who is in secret. (v. 6) It had to be a stunning moment when the disciples received Jesus’s teaching to begin their prayer
Read: Romans 8:31-39 If God is for us, who can be against us? (v. 31) Our Words of Hope staff gathers Monday mornings to pray together. I’ve noticed a few
Read: Acts 4:23-31 Grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness. (v. 29) Praying with persecuted Christians and hearing their boldness grips my heart in
Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.