Prayer

What clicks in your mind every time you hear the word “PRAYER”?  You probably think about closing your eyes, kneeling, raising your hands, wearing holy faces, or probably shouting to the top of your lungs. While these are some of the things we do while praying, this, per se, is not prayer.

A prayer is simply talking to God. So then, how do we talk to God? First and foremost, all your prayers must be made in good faith. You should not be doubtful as you pray.

James 1:6

 “But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind.”

 (Good News Bible)

Your prayer must be made in His name.  You have probably heard most people finish their prayer with words like: “We ask this is Jesus name” or “In Jesus name we pray”. As Jesus was speaking to His disciples about His imminent death and resurrection, He told them that they will no longer have to ask Him for anything directly. Instead, God will grant them anything they ask in His name.

John 16:23

“When that day comes, you will not ask me for anything. I am telling you the truth: the Father will give you whatever you ask him for in my name.”

 (Good News Bible)

There is no formula or specific way to pray. The Bible says in Romans 8:26 that we do not know how we should pray. It’s the Holy Spirit that intercedes for us in groans or agony that words cannot express. We can pray in a formal or informal way; you can be audible or pray silently; you can pray in public or in private. Therefore, whether you pray on your knees, with your eyes closed and your hands held up high from morning to evening, God responds to a 5-word prayer made while cooking, walking or playing in the same way.

How often should we pray?  And at what time should we pray?  There is no specific time or number of times we should pray in a day. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are urged to pray without stopping/ceasing. We ought to pray at all time whether you are working, driving or relaxed.

There are four main types of prayer:

• Adoration – This is a prayer made purposely to praise God. Psalms 111

• Repentance/Confession – This is a prayer made to confess our sins to God and beg for forgiveness

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(King James Version)

• Thanksgiving – This is a prayer made to recognize or thank God for the good things he has done.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

• Intercession/Supplication/Petition – This is a prayer made to present our requests or pleas to Him. This can either be the requests we make for ourselves (petition) or requests we make on behalf of others (Intercession).

In times of need, at least, we know there is a supreme God who is always willing to listen to our pleas, and He understands them better than anybody. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul wrote:

“Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

(Revised Standard Version)

We can therefore rest assured that a petition prayer made in the right way will give us satisfaction, consolation and peace. We are also encouraged to always pray for all people in 1 Timothy 2:1.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people.”