The most basic definition of prayer is “talking to God.” Prayer is not meditation or passive reflection; it is direct address to God. It is the communication of the human soul with the Lord who created the soul. Prayer is the primary way for the believer in Jesus Christ to communicate his emotions and desires with God and to fellowship with God.
Prayer can be audible or silent, private or public, formal or informal. All prayer must be offered in faith (James 1:6), in the name of the Lord Jesus (John 16:23), and in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). Prayer is described in the Bible as seeking God’s favor (Exodus 32:11), pouring out one’s soul to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:15), crying out to heaven (2 Chronicles 32:20), drawing near to God (Psalm 73:28), and kneeling before the Father (Ephesians 3:14).
Prayer is the Christian’s way of communicating with God. We pray to praise God and thank Him and tell Him how much we love Him. We pray to enjoy His presence and tell Him what is going on in our lives. We pray to make requests and seek guidance and ask for wisdom. God loves this exchange with His children, just as we love the exchange we have with our children. Fellowship with God is the heart of prayer.
Too often we lose sight of how simple prayer is really supposed to be. Therefore, the following is provided as a Biblical guide for the reasons, qualifications, hindrances and specific points for prayer:
17 Reasons for Prayer
- God’s repeated command to pray 1 Sam. 12:23; Rom. 12:12; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17
- The example of Christ Heb. 5:7
- The example of the early church Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; 12:5
- The example of Paul Acts 9:10-11; 16:25; 20:36; 21:5; Rom. 10:1
- Prayer defeats the Devil Lk. 22:32; 1 Pet. 4:7
- Prayer saves the sinner Lk. 18:13
- Prayer restores the backslider Jam. 5:16
- Prayer strengthens the saint Jude 20
- Prayer sends forth laborers Mt. 9:38; Acts 13:2-3
- Prayer heals the sick Jam. 5:13-15
- Prayer glorifies God’s name Rev. 5:8; 8:2-4
- Prayer accomplishes the impossible Mt. 21:22; Mk. 9:29; Acts 12:5-7; Jam. 5:17-18
- Prayer gives good things Ps. 102:17; Mt. 7:7-11
- Prayer imparts wisdom Jam. 1:5
- Prayer bestows peace Phil. 4:5-7
- Prayer keeps on from sin Mt. 26:41
- Prayer reveals the will of God Lk. 11:9-10
8 Qualifications for Prayer
- Prayer should be humble Ps. 10:17; Lk. 18:13-14
- Prayer should be bold 1 Jn. 5:13-15
- Prayer should be in faith Heb. 11:6
- Prayer should be sincere Ps. 145:18
- Prayer should be simple Mt. 6:7
- Prayer should be persistent Lk. 18:7; Col. 4:2
- Prayer should be definite Ps. 27:4; Acts 12:5
- Prayer should be in God’s will 1 Jn. 5:14
11 Hindrances to Prayer
- Unconfessed sin Ps. 66:18
- Insincerity Mt. 6:5
- Carnal motives Jam. 4:3
- Unbelief Jam. 1:5-6
- Satanic activity Dan. 10:10-13
- Domestic problems 1 Pet. 3:7
- Pride Lk. 18:10-14
- Robbing God Mal. 3:8-10
- Refusing Biblical teaching Pr. 1:24-28; 28:9; Zech. 7:11-14
- Refusing to forgive or forgiven Mt. 5:23-24; 6:12, 14
- Refusing to help the needy Pr. 21:3; 1 Jn. 3:16-17
8 Things to Pray For
- Ourselves Gen. 24:12; Mt. 14:30; Lk. 23:42
- One another Jam. 5:16; Rom. 1:9
- Pastors Eph. 6:19-20; Col. 4:3
- Sick believers James 5:14-15
- Rulers 1 Tim. 2:1-3
- Our enemies Mt. 5:44; Acts 7:59-60
- Israel Ps. 122:6; Is. 62:6-7
All men