In the Anglican prayer book, there is a section full of short prayers called collects.
These often contain a helpful pattern, which we can emulate in our own prayers. They consist of 5 parts:
- The address – a name of God (often relating to the rest of the prayer).
- The doctrine – a truth about God’s nature that is the basis for the prayer.
- The petition – what is being asked for.
- The aspiration – what good result will come if the request is granted.
- In Jesus’ name – this remembers the mediatorial role of Jesus.
Example:
(1) Blessed Lord, (2) who has caused all holy Scripture to be written for our learning; (3) grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; (4) that by patience and comfort of your holy word we may embrace and ever hold fast to the blessed hope of eternal life, (5) which you have given us in our saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Try this pattern as you pray during the week – writing it out may help.
– Sam Pursell