Bible Study (5)

Prayer

Opening Prayer

Recap

Background from a biblical perspective

What it is… is Talking to God - It is communication of the human soul with the Lord who created it. It is the primary way for the believer in Jesus Christ to communicate his emotions and desires with God and to fellowship with God. Prayer can be silent or audible, private or public, formal or informal. All prayer must be offered in faith of the Lord Jesus and in the power of Holy Spirit.

J.C. Lambert “Christian prayer in its full New Testament meaning is prayer addressed to God as Father, in the name of Christ as Mediator, and through the enabling grace of the indwelling Spirit.” NIV encyclopedia bible

The wicked feel no compulsion to pray, but the children of God have a natural desire to pray

Biblically prayer is described as: Seeking goods favor, pouring out ones soul to the Lord, crying out to heaven, drawing near to God and Kneeling before the father

Prayer

Phil 4:6-7 “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, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

What does God want us to talk to Him about? God wants us to talk with Him about everything

How often does God want us to talk with Him? All the time 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” We should keep a running conversation with Him all day, every day.

Some find the ACTS model helpful - Adoration - Confession - Thanksgiving- Supplication but biblically there is no special formula, we should just do it. We can pray under any and all circumstances. Prayer develops our relationship with God and demenstraights our faith and complete dependance on Him

What it is not… meditation or passive reflection