Prayer as a relationship with God

God’s children can turn to their Father in prayer

Under the old covenant

Isaiah 64:8–9 NRSV

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people.

See also Ps 103:13–14; Is 63:16

Under the new covenant

Matthew 6:9–13 NRSV

“Pray then in this way: 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 do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.

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 NRSV

He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”

See also Jn 17:1–26

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

Hebrews 10:19–22 NRSV

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary 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 approach 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