Prayer

What is prayer?

Prayer is the way that we communicate with God.  Prayer is an intimate connection to our Heavenly Father.  It is about our relationship and being one with God.  Prayer is not limited to just when you make a mistake, or when you are desperate, or when you need something.  It is bigger than that.  Prayer is about prioritizing time to see and experience who God is.

Who should practice prayer?

Throughout scripture we see prayer practiced. Jacob prayed and Esau’s mind was turned after twenty years of vengeance.  Hannah prayed and Samuel was born.  Jehoshaphat prayed and God turned away his enemies.  Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed and 185 thousand Assyrians were dead in twelve hours.  Daniel prayed and lions were muzzled.  Mordecai and Esther prayed and Haman, who wanted to destroy the Jews, was hanged on his own gallows in three days. Nehemiah prayed and the king’s heart was softened in a moment.  Elijah prayed and a three-year drought came, he prayed again and it rained.  The disciples gathered and prayed and the spirit of God fell on them.  Believers prayed and Peter was released from prison.

Prayer is for everyone to deepen your relationship with God, and see God move in your life. 

Why do we need prayer?

At its core, prayer is a conversation with God. It’s an act of faith that acknowledges our limitations and our dependence on God. Just as communication is vital in human relationships, prayer strengthens our relationship with God.  Prayer is the means by which God reveals the mysteries of Himself.  

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
– Jeremiah 33:3

Scripture teaches us that prayer:  

• Frees us from anxiety and leads to peace – Philippians 4:6-7
• Guards us against temptation – Matthew 26:41
• Leads to forgiveness – 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Results in God’s provision – Matthew 21:22
• Gives us strength – Ephesians 3:14-16
• Leads to healing – James 5:14

How do I practice prayer?

Prayer is a powerful gift that God has given us to commune with him.  There is no secret to learning how to pray.  You learn, by doing it.  The more we pray the more we grow in our relationship with God.

Tips for a Meaningful Prayer Life:

1. Set a Regular Time: Create a consistent routine for prayer, whether in the morning, evening, or throughout the day.
2. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a location where you can focus without distractions.
3. Be Honest: Speak from the heart. Prayer doesn’t require fancy words; sincerity matters most.
4. Incorporate Scripture: Use Bible verses as inspiration for your prayers.
5. Keep a Journal: Write down your prayers and reflect on how they are answered over time.
6. Pray with Others: Join a prayer group or partner with a friend to encourage and support each other.

Different Forms of Prayer

• Adoration: Praising and worshiping God for His greatness and love.

“And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.” – 2 Kings 19:15

• Confession: Acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for your sins.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

• Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for blessings and answered prayers.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 4:2

• Supplication: Asking for help, guidance, or provision for yourself

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” – 1 John 5:14-15

• Intercession: Asking God to help or provide for another person

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16