Let's look at some definitions ... for the word knowing (adjective) it is "affecting, implying, or deliberately revealing shrewd knowledge of secret or private information" (see "shrewd" below). To know (noun) is "the fact or state of knowing", with know (verb) as "to perceive or understand as fact or truth, or, to apprehend clearly and with certainty". For shrewd, it states "astute or sharp in practical matters" - as in the shrewd manager who was commended for his actions (Luke 16:1-12).
In the image of a suspension bridge above, there is a good "tension" needed in order for the bridge to function properly. In our relationship with God, a "tension" is good when it comes to approaching Him in humility on one hand versus reality on the other. We must understand that we are finite and He is infinite. We are human (creation), He is the Creator. We are dependent upon Him for life, He is dependent upon nothing - He needs nothing. Yet, He desires to commune and live with us and in us, His created beings.
When it comes to our conversations (prayer) with the Creator of the Universe, we must approach Him with a knowledge of reality. Some scriptures to consider are (Psalm 145:18, Proverbs 15:29, James 5:16, 1 John 1:9). We must know that we can call on Him, and that He hears the voice of the person made righteous by the Cross of Jesus Christ. That is reality!
Likewise, we must also be cognizant of our humble and needy approach to the Awesome Creator. Consider these scriptures (Psalm 4:1, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 7:11). There will be times that we don't even know how or what to pray, scripture provides the means for that in Luke 18:1 and Romans 8:26.
Suffice it to say, that scripture has all that we need to understand who we are in Christ, how to talk with God about our needs, converse with Him for our petitions, cry out to Him in our pain and suffering, thank Him for His blessings, and seek forgiveness in our failures.
Do you want to know how and what, where and when, why and for whom to pray? Seek Him and His word. Knowing comes from learning. Learning comes from seeking out what the Truth of His Word says. Seeking comes from conversations with Him while we bathe in His Word.
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