1. WHAT IS PRAYER?
PERSONAL DEVOTION

2. What is prayer? Prayer is… Communication with God
Acknowledging the presence of God in our lives
The exercise of faith and hope
The state of accepting our humility

3. What is the purpose of prayer in the life of a Christian believer?
To recognise the reality of God’s presence
Adoration, thanksgiving, forgiveness, faith
To bring peace to ourselves and others
Achieve inner harmony with God
To engage with the Holy Spirit

4. How does prayer help Christians become closer to God?
Private prayer lies at the heart of a Christian spiritual life
Through prayer we accept our human frailty and learn more about our ‘real’ selves
Through prayer we engage the Holy Spirit – communion of souls
“Maranatha” – “Come O Lord!” (mantra)
Peace – “Peace be with you” – meaning: life, joy, love

5. Anatomy of a prayer
The praise and adoration of God. All genuine prayer begins as the Christian thanks God for the world He has created and the faculties of health and strength to enjoy it.
A confession of any sins committed and the seeking of God’s forgiveness (salvation)
Requests to God to intervene in their own personal life or in the lives of others. Prayers for others are called ‘intercessions’. (refuge)
Thanksgiving for all the blessings that have already been received from God

6. OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

8. Work in pairs Write your own prayer Use the images as stimulus
Incorporate all 4 prayer components
Share with class