Prayer as a response to God (3)

The direction of prayer is upwards towards God

Psalm 123:1–2 KJV 1900

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, And as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; So our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, Until that he have mercy upon us.

See also Ps 25:1; Ps 86:4; Ps 121:1–2; Ps 143:8; Ps 145:15

Fellowship with God through prayer

Psalm 73:23–26 KJV 1900

Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

See also Ex 33:11; 1 Ki 8:57–59; Ps 16:2; Ps 145:17–20; Mt 18:20

The habit of prayer

Luke 5:16 KJV 1900

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

See also Ne 2:4 Nehemiah felt so close to God that it was automatic for him to speak to God and the king almost simultaneously; Da 6:10–11; Da 6:13

Contemplative prayer as a response to God’s presence

Psalm 27:4 KJV 1900

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

See also 1 Ch 16:10–11; Ps 27:8; Is 55:6; Je 29:13; Ac 17:27–28; Heb 11:6

Prayer of acceptance in response to God’s call

1 Samuel 3:10 KJV 1900

And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

See also Is 6:8; Re 3:20

Prayer of confession

In response to God’s holiness

1 John 1:5–9 KJV 1900

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

See also Is 6:3–7; Is 55:7–9

In response to sin being exposed

Psalm 51:1–2 KJV 1900

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

See also Ps 51:3–12

Prayer of co-operation in response to God’s purposes

John 15:7–8 KJV 1900

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

See also Ps 119:105–106; Lk 1:38; Jn 15:16

Prayer of confidence in response to God’s mercy and grace

Hebrews 4:16 KJV 1900

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

See also Ne 1:4–7; Ps 123:1–2; Jas 1:5–8