Are there steps to praying effectively?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Public prayer seems to be more widely accepted than in past generations, but the results don’t seem too reassuring. Are there steps to praying effectively? – P.P.
A: The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. We must ask God to help us pray with our hearts and minds centered on Him. This is the power of prayer.
Jesus considered prayer more important than food. The Bible tells us that Jesus prayed hours before breakfast, rising up a great while before daybreak (see Mark 1:35). The precious hours of fellowship with His Father meant more to Him than sleep (see Luke 6:12). Jesus would leave the great crowds gathered after He preached and go to the wilderness to spend time in prayer (see Luke 5). How different our world would be if people were committed to do the same.
Jesus prayed at funerals and the dead were raised. He prayed over the five loaves and two fishes and a multitude of people were fed.
And God blesses those who give themselves to prayer. Noah prayed, and God handed him a blueprint to build the ark. Moses prayed, and God delivered the Israelites from bondage. Gideon prayed, and the host of a formidable enemy fled in fear before his army of only 300. Daniel prayed, and the mouths of the lions were closed. Elijah prayed, and the fire of God consumed the sacrifice in the presence of the prophets of Baal. David prayed, and he defeated Goliath on the Philistine battleground. The disciples prayed, and 3,000 people were added to the church in one day. Paul prayed, and hundreds of churches were born.
The key to prayer is to become a child of God by trusting and obeying Him. Seek God’s will when you pray, and He will help you know it.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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