NCC 38

Question 38 What is prayer?

Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

Praise. Why praise him?

Petition. What can we ask?

Confession. Why is this important?

Thanksgiving. What do we thank him for? Why?

ACTS

Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication

Why pray? God is sovereign. He knows the future. He is control of all things. Does praying actually make a difference?

God uses means to accomplish his purposes.

He is pleased to accomplish his purposes through the prayers of his people. We get to be a part of what God is doing! How awesome is that?!

Fervent Prayer. We engage in regular, fervent prayer because it is commanded, effective, loving, and edifying. Luke 18:1; Phil 4:6; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17; 1 Tim 2:1, 8; Heb 4:16; James 4:3, 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12

Luke 18:1 ESV

1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Colossians 4:2 ESV

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

17 pray without ceasing,

1 Timothy 2:1 ESV

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

Hebrews 4:16 ESV

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

James 4:3 ESV

3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

James 5:16 ESV

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Peter 3:12 ESV

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”