What is Prayer?

Introduction The most important thing in a believer’s life has to be prayer!  Without it – all other things do not work  Evangelism  Faith  Love  Etc. “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” - Ghandi

Prayer is the General Term for Addressing God God has made it possible for His children to talk to Him.  Possible because of Jesus  “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus…” – 1 Timothy 2:5  “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16

Prayer is the General Term for Addressing God God asks His children to call upon Him.  “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-3  “… pray continually…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Prayer is the Privilege and Duty of the Righteous Jesus sets a model for prayer  “This, then, is how you should pray…” – Matthew 6:9  Why?  Prayer was designed for God’s children  Those trying to live righteous lives – need to seek the approval of God in their prayers For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” – 1 Peter 3:10-12

Prayer is: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:7-11  Prayer is:  Asking Petitions of God  Seeking Answers to Life’s Problems  Knocking to Gain Entrance Into a More Abundant Life

Prayer is an Act of Faith “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” – James 1:5-7  One cannot please God without faith  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6  Prayer can also be a mockery IF the person is not truly striving to do the will of God.

Prayer is MORE than Thinking One of my biggest pet peeves is when people will say “I’m praying for you!” when their intentions are just to remember you in their thoughts. Prayer is a communication with two persons involved:  God listens & we talk (vice versa)  Hannah  “Poured out her soul” (1 Samuel 1:15)  God answered = with Samuel

Conclusion Prayer is the key to the heart of God. Prayer is the only way to a real and personal relationship with God.  Pray acknowledging He is God  Pray confessing our sins  Pray that His will be done in our lives  Pray for (spiritual) understanding and wisdom  Pray with thanksgiving for all the ways He blesses us  Pray when we are ill, lonely, going through trials or interceding for others  Pray to worship Him