Prayer

Introduction

Prayer is one of the most important ways of worship and communication with God. Through prayer, believers express faith, gratitude, requests, repentance, and devotion before the Heavenly Father.

1. What Is Prayer?

Prayer is drawing near to God with a sincere heart.

Jeremiah 29:12 (KJV)
“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”

Psalm 145:18 (KJV)
“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”

2. Prayer Must Be Made With Faith

God listens to prayers that are spoken with true faith.

Mark 11:24 (KJV)
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
“But without faith it is impossible to please him…”

3. Prayer to the Father Through Jesus Christ

Jesus taught us to pray to God the Father.

Matthew 6:9 (KJV)
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”

John 14:13 (KJV)
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

4. Continual and Persistent Prayer

God desires perseverance and constancy in prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
“Pray without ceasing.”

Luke 18:1 (KJV)
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

5. Prayer in Trouble and Trials

Prayer brings peace and help during difficult times.

Psalm 50:15 (KJV)
“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

Philippians 4:6–7 (KJV)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God… shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

6. Prayer of Repentance and Forgiveness

Sincere prayer brings forgiveness when we turn back to God.

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

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
“If my people… shall humble themselves, and pray… and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin…”

7. Prayer for Others (Intercession)

Believers are called to pray for one another.

James 5:16 (KJV)
“Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”

1 Timothy 2:1 (KJV)
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions… be made for all men.”

Conclusion

Prayer is both a blessing and a command. It strengthens faith, brings peace, opens our hearts to God, and helps us remain close to the Heavenly Father.

Closing Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-14