Basics to Prayer

 

Have you struggled with prayer? Does prayer seem like an exercise in eloquent speech that you just don't possess? 

 

Prayer is not a mysterious practice reserved only for preachers and the religiously devout. Prayer is simply talking to God. Believers can pray from the heart, freely, spontaneously, and in their own words. If prayer is a difficult area for you, learn these basics principles of prayer and how to apply them in your life.

 

1.      What Does the Bible Have to Say About Prayer?   The Bible has a lot to say about prayer. The first mention of prayer is found in Genesis 4:26

 

2.      What is the Correct Posture for Prayer?  There is no correct or certain posture for prayer. In the Bible people prayed on their knees (1 Kin 8:54), bowing (Exo 4:31), on their faces before God (2 Chr 20:18; Mat 26:39), and standing (1 Kin 8:22). You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud—however you are most comfortable and least distracted.

 

3.      Should I Use Eloquent Words?  Your prayers need not be wordy or impressive in speech.  Mat 6:7  Ecc 5:2

 

4.      Why Should I Pray?   A.  Prayer Develops Our Relationship with God.  If we never speak to our spouse or never listen to anything our spouse might have to say to us, our marriage relationship will quickly deteriorate. It is the same way with God. Prayer—communicating with God—helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God. Zec 13:9  Joh 15:7   B.  The Lord Instructed Us to Pray. One of the simplest reasons to spend time in prayer is because the Lord instructed us to pray. Obedience is a natural by-product of discipleship.  Mat 26:41  Luk 18:1  Eph 6:18

 

5.      What If I Don't Know How to Pray? The Holy Spirit will help you in prayer when you don't know how to pray. Rom 8:26-27

 

6.      Are There Requirements for Successful Prayer?  Yes, there are some requirements found in the Bible for successful prayer.  Successful prayer requires:

       • A humble heart  2 Chronicles 7:14
       • Wholeheartedness Jeremiah 29:13
       • Faith Mark 11:24
       • Righteousness   James 5:16
       • Obedience  1 John 3:22

7.      Does God Hear and Answer Prayer?    Yes, God hears and answers prayer. Here are several examples of this promise from the Bible.  Psa 34:17   Psa 91:15

8.      Why are Some Prayers Not Answered?    Sometimes our prayers are not answered. The Bible gives several reasons or causes for failure in prayer:

       • Disobedience - Deuteronomy 1:45; 1 Samuel 14:37
       • Secret Sin - Psalm 66:18
       • Indifference - Proverbs 1:28
       • Neglect of mercy - Proverbs 21:13
       • Despising the Law - Proverbs 28:9
       • Bloodguiltiness - Isaiah 1:15
       • Iniquity - Isaiah 59:2; Micah 3:4
       • Stubbornness - Zechariah 7:13
       • Instability or Doubt - James 1:6-7
       • Self-indulgence - James 4:3

Sometimes our prayers are refused. Prayer must be in accord with God's divine will.  1 Joh 5:14

 

9.      Should I Pray Alone or with Others?  God wants us to pray together with other believers.  Mat 18:19  Luk 1:10  Act 1:14   God also wants us to pray alone and in secret: Mat 6:6 Mar 1:35 Luk 5:15-16 Luk 6:12