"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. . . . 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" (Heb. 11:1, 6).

1 2

“Prayer changes things.” “Prayer doesn’t change things. it changes us.” “Life is fragile. Handle with prayer.” “When the going gets tough, the tough get praying.”

Nutritional Needs? Spiritual Needs

"I am the way and the truth and the life "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matt. 6:5-8).

Jesus says, "When you pray." He doesn't say, "If you pray.“ Jesus says, "Close the door.“ Jesus says, "Pray to your Father.“

Jesus says, "When you pray." He doesn't say, "If you pray.“ Jesus says, "Close the door.“ Jesus says, "Pray to your Father.“ Jesus says, "Don't babble; ask."

"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; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matt. 7:7, 8).

Prayer Blockages

Prayer connects only when we ask God for the right thing. Myth 1 Prayer connects only when we ask God for the right thing.

Gen. 12, 13

Ex. 33: 11

John 15:15, 16

"Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me" (Rev. 3:20, NRSV)

It is Jesus who stirs us to pray It is Jesus who stirs us to pray. Our prayer lets Him into our needs and permits Him to share the bread of life with us.

God communicates only with good people. Myth 2 God communicates only with good people.

"You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight" (Luke 16:15)

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matt. 9:12, 13).

Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses

The Bible tells us that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and was "tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin" (Heb. 4:15).

Time of Greatest Need

We have to know the right words to pray. Myth 3 We have to know the right words to pray.

"O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. . . . They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.

Appoint an evil man to oppose him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. . . . May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. . . .

But you, O Sovereign Lord, deal well with me for your name's sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me" (Ps. 109:1-22).

1 2 We can pray about anything, even when we’re angry. . . . Put the problem squarely in God’s hands

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (Rom. 8:26, 27).

God has a plan for exactly the help that we need

Myth 4 Be careful about what you ask God, because He may give it to you and you won't be able to handle it.

welcome-home party (Luke 15:11-32) … the father ran to him, welcomed him, forgave him, and, most incredible of all, threw a welcome-home party (Luke 15:11-32)

"Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matt. 7:9-11, NRSV).

Myths Debunked God's heart is great for us. It longs for us. He invites us to relationship-real, honest communion through prayer.