Prayer

Prayer is a holy privilege made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ — an ongoing conversation and love relationship with God.

The Essence of Prayer

Prayer is the offering up of our desires to God for all lawful and needful things, with humble confidence that we shall obtain them through the mediation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." — John 14:6

God desires your fellowship and calls us to love Him with all our heart (Deut. 6:5). Experiencing His presence and love is the point from which effectual prayer begins.

Hebrew: T@phillah

Strong's #08605 — Old Testament (73 Occurrences)

Defined as poetic or liturgical prayer, intercession, and a house set apart for prayer.

Greek: Proseuche

Strong's #4335 — New Testament (31 Occurrences)

Prayer addressed to God, or a sanctuary/open-air place suited for prayer and reflection.

Guidelines for Prayer

1. To Whom We Pray

Pray directly to God (Acts 12:5, Ps. 5:1-3, Job 33:26).
Ask in the name of Jesus (John 14:13, John 16:23).
Do not pray to or worship angels (Rev. 22:8-9).

2. When to Pray

Always & continually (Eph. 6:18, Luke 18:1).
Without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).
Three times daily (Ps. 55:17, Dan. 6:10).
In public & assembly (Acts 1:14).

3. Where to Pray

In your private closet (Matt. 6:6).
In the house & temple of God (Acts 2:42, 3:1).
From house to house (Acts 2:46).
Everywhere (1 Tim. 2:8).

4. How to Pray

Ask in faith without doubting (Matt. 7:7, 1 Tim. 2:8).
Earnestly in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26).
Effectual & fervent (James 5:16).
Where two or three gather (Matt. 18:19-20).

Ten Elements of Effectual Prayer

1. Adoration Ps. 95:6, Dan. 6:10

2. Confession Ps. 32:5, Dan. 9:4

3. Restitution Luke 19:8, Lev. 9:2

4. Unity John 17:11, 21

5. Faith Heb. 11:6, Mark 11:24

6. Perseverance Gen. 32:26, James 5:17

7. Petition Isa. 37:14, 1 John 5:14

8. Submission Luke 22:42

9. Thanksgiving Phil. 4:6

10. Praise & Worship Matt. 6:9-13

The Model Prayer of Jesus Christ

"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 6:9-13 (KJV)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ revealed the new basis of prayer grounded in a Father-child relationship through the new birth (John 3:3). Right prayer begins with worship, puts the Kingdom ahead of self, accepts the Father's will, and leaves the future in His loving care.

The Four "Alls" of Prayer

Paul's instruction in Ephesians 6:18 outlines the complete blueprint for effective spiritual warfare through prayer.

At All Times

Unceasing, continuous communion with God.

With All Prayer

Petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.

All Perseverance

Steadfast persistence without fainting.

For All Saints

Interceding for the global body of believers.