Basics of Prayer

Who do we pray to? God—the creator and savior of this world. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 reads, “5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.”

When do we pray? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Where should we pray? In private and in public Matthew 6:5-8, “5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Where should we pray? Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Why do we pray? Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 9:29 “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

What should we pray for? Five categories What we need Forgiveness for us and others For each other Guidance God’s will be done

What should we pray for? James 5:13-16, “13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

What should we pray for? I Peter 3:7, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

What should we pray for? Colossians 1:9-14 Matthew 26:39,42 1 John 5:14

How should we pray? Follow the model Jesus gave Matthew 6:9-13

9 “This then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, Matthew 6:9-13 9 “This then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”