Prayer as a relationship with God

God’s children can turn to their Father in prayer

Under the old covenant

Isaiah 64:8–9 ESV

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.

See also Ps 103:13–14; Is 63:16

Under the new covenant

Matthew 6:9–13 ESV

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

See also Mt 6:6; Mt 7:7–11; Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6

Jesus Christ’s prayer life with his Father

Mark 14:36 ESV

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

See also Jn 17:1–26

It is possible to approach God in prayer because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice

Hebrews 10:19–22 ESV

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

See also Eph 3:12; Heb 7:15–19

Prayer reflects a longing after God

Ps 42:1–2; Je 29:12–13

See also Ps 130:5–6; Ps 145:18–19; Pr 8:17; Is 26:9; Is 33:2; La 3:25