What is Prayer?

 

What is Prayer?

Prayer is talking to God. If you aren’t in the habit of praying on a regular basis, it can be a bit intimidating. Check out this post which walks you through how to being a regular prayer time of communication with God.

What Does the Bible Say About Prayer?

Do you wonder what the Bible teaches about prayer? Learn more this month with daily Scripture readings that show you prayers in the Bible and God’s directions to you about prayer.

While there is no one right way to pray, there are different types of prayers.

Christian Bible reference suggestions these categories:

  • Expressions of faith and trust in God
  • Confession of our sins
  • Praise of God’s mighty deeds
  • Thanksgiving for all the good things we have received
  • Dedication to serve God and other people
  • Requests for our needs and the needs of others – leave your prayer requests here to ask others to pray for you at The Holy Mess.

Should I Pray the Lord’s Prayer?

Jesus prayed The Lord’s Prayer as a guide for us in how to communicate with God. Learn more about the Lord’s Prayer here.

The Lord’s prayer, probably the most famous prayer in the Bible, is a wonderful way to pray daily, or you can use it as a guide and pray more personally about the topics of each section.

The Lord’s Prayer, from Matthew 6:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:10-13

It’s important to note that while the Our Father prayer is a meaningful prayer to pray and a helpful guide, it is not magical. Saying it over and over will not bring any special blessing or favor from God. Instead, God longs to have a closer relationship with you through prayer that is meaningful.

Top 5 Prayer Scriptures in the Bible

Here are five Bible verses that explain what the Bible says about praying and faith.

1. Matthew 5:44 – Pray for those who persecute you.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Matthew 5:44

This prayer is an important reminder that we should pray for all the people God brings into our lives, not just or family or close friends. If you are in the middle of a conflict with someone, one of the best ways to manage your anger is to pray for them.

2. Psalm 19:14 – The meditation of my heart.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

This passage from Psalms is a great reminder that prayer is more than just words we speak. It is also what we meditate on in our hearts and what we believe as we pray. Consider using Christian affirmations as a way to reflect often on God’s Words for you, including these Christian weight loss affirmations.

3. Luke 11:13 – Your heavenly Father gives good gifts.

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11:13

God is the perfect Father and He gives good gifts to His children. As a Christian, you are one of his children. If you are a parent, you know how fun it is to give your children gifts. Imagine how much more God, who is perfect, desires good for you life.

4. Psalm 42:8 – Pray to God day and night.

By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
    and at night his song is with me,
    a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:8

First Thessalonians 5:16 says to pray without ceasing. This passage from Psalm 42 reinforces that by saying to pray during the day and at night. No matter the time, it’s always a good time to speak to God in prayer.

5. Matthew 21:22 – Pray and receive in faith.

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

Matthew 21:22

Prayer gives me great comfort during hard times. This passage from Matthew reminds me that God hears and answers my prayer, bringing everything in my life to His ultimate good. (See Romans 8:28.)

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