I tend to drift in prayer. I end up getting lost in thoughts about people and circumstances for which I pray. Tell me you have this problem!
Matthew Henry (1662-1714) is well-suited to come to our rescue. This Presbyterian pastor loved doing things “decently and in order.” No verse of Scripture warms the hearts of Presbyterians more than Paul’s admonition in Corinthians, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14.40).
Matthew was certainly well-organized and disciplined. He perfected the practice of expository sermons–systematically preaching verse by verse through the Bible. He wrote an orderly six volume commentary on the Bible and published A Method of Prayer for the benefit of his English congregation. His six-step method can give shape and direction to our laundry list of prayers:
1. Adoration. Praising God.
2. Confession. Acknowledging our sins.
3. Petition. Asking for what we need.
4. Thanks. Expressing appreciation to God.
5. Intercession. Praying for others.
6. Conclusion. Ending with a benediction (ex.: Heb. 13.20-21).
You might consider following his six-step method in giving structure to your prayers. It’s a way to keep focused and intentional in prayer. Henry wrote, “Prayer must be kept up as duly as mealtime.”
One of his prayers before a meal is appropriate for us to pray at table today: