What is Prayer?

What is Prayer?

Introduction:

Faithful Christians are to be distinguished in their fervent petitions to heavens throne of grace/mercy. See 1 Thess. 5:17-18 and Phil. 4:6. It has been said: “prayer is the most abused right & neglected privilege that children of God have.” Does our prayer life reflect real faith in the power & privilege of taking everything to God in prayer? Prayer has been compared to a “golden key which, when kept bright by use, will unlock unto us the treasures of heaven.”

I. Facts About Prayer in the Bible:

A. Our attempt today will focus on need to define prayer.

1. some _______________ prayers recorded in Old Testament.

B. In New Testament – Christians are not only told to confess – but they to pray for:

1. ___________________ – Mt. 5:44

2. to be heard/seen of _____________ not men;

3. for daily _______________; not to be led into temptation

4. that sins might be ___________________ – Mt. 6:5-15

II. What is Prayer?

A. Prayer is ______________ and __________________ with God.

1. Psa. 55:22-23

2. We need times when we can get close w/God and concentrate our thoughts/attentions on Him.

B. Prayer is a _______________________ to God.

1. Must surrender ourselves and our time to God.

2. It is an acknowledgement that God is in ___________ and that He can come to our aid when necessary! See Psa. 56:10-11; Heb. 2:13

C. Prayer is __________________ expressed to God.

1. Phillips Brooks: a wish turned heavenward.

2. Prayer is the desires of the heart expressed unto God.

a) ______ must be addressed for our desires to be considered a prayer.

b) prayer distinguished from other speech because it is addressed to God.

D. Prayer is acknowledging and praising God. Mt. 6:9-10; 13

III. Types of Prayer:

A. “Prayer” can be used in broad sense to include all various forms of prayer.

1. See 1 Tim. 2:1; Phil. 4:6

B. What is the difference between prayers & supplications?

1. Weaver: “______________” would include requests for fulfillment of needs that are always present. (wisdom; understanding; greater faith; etc.)

2. “______________” could refer to requests made in specific situations.

a) cure for illness; removal of persecution; salvation of someone, etc.

b) the wording takes on the meaning of a very strong request – much like our word beg.

C. _________________________ – 1 Tim. 2

1. prayer to God on behalf of another.

D. ______________ - involves a prayer of gratitude to God. (Psa. 75:1; 1 Tim. 4:4)

Conclusion:

A. Let us endeavor to improve our prayer life.



What is Prayer? Introduction: Faithful Christians are to be distinguished in their fervent petitions to heavens throne of grace/mercy. See 1 Thess. 5:17-18 and Phil. 4:6. It has been said: “prayer is the most abused right & neglected privilege that children of God have.” Does our prayer life reflect real faith in the power & privilege of taking everything to God in prayer? Prayer has been compared to a “golden key which, when kept bright by use, will unlock unto us the treasures of heaven.” I. Facts About Prayer in the Bible: A. Our attempt today will focus on need to define prayer. 1. some _______________ prayers recorded in Old Testament. B. In New Testament – Christians are not only told to confess – but they to pray for: 1. ___________________ – Mt. 5:44 2. to be heard/seen of _____________ not men; 3. for daily _______________; not to be led into temptation 4. that sins might be ___________________ – Mt. 6:5-15 II. What is Prayer? A. Prayer is ______________ and __________________ with God. 1. Psa. 55:22-23 2. We need times when we can get close w/God and concentrate our thoughts/attentions on Him. B. Prayer is a _______________________ to God. 1. Must surrender ourselves and our time to God. 2. It is an acknowledgement that God is in ___________ and that He can come to our aid when necessary! See Psa. 56:10-11; Heb. 2:13 C. Prayer is __________________ expressed to God. 1. Phillips Brooks: a wish turned heavenward. 2. Prayer is the desires of the heart expressed unto God. a) ______ must be addressed for our desires to be considered a prayer. b) prayer distinguished from other speech because it is addressed to God. D. Prayer is acknowledging and praising God. Mt. 6:9-10; 13 III. Types of Prayer: A. “Prayer” can be used in broad sense to include all various forms of prayer. 1. See 1 Tim. 2:1; Phil. 4:6 B. What is the difference between prayers & supplications? 1. Weaver: “______________” would include requests for fulfillment of needs that are always present. (wisdom; understanding; greater faith; etc.) 2. “______________” could refer to requests made in specific situations. a) cure for illness; removal of persecution; salvation of someone, etc. b) the wording takes on the meaning of a very strong request – much like our word beg. C. _________________________ – 1 Tim. 2 1. prayer to God on behalf of another. D. ______________ - involves a prayer of gratitude to God. (Psa. 75:1; 1 Tim. 4:4) Conclusion: A. Let us endeavor to improve our prayer life.