Question: Can you analyze prayer?
Answer: In our first reply to this good question we began by mentioning the nine different words translated "pray" and "prayer" in the New Testament. We then directed our attention to the elements of prayer. In our present answer, we shall continue analyzing prayer and provide a review.
Reasons for praying. Prayer is commanded by God of His children (I Thes. 5: 17). Christians pray to obtain forgiveness (Lk. 11: 4; I Jn. 1). Through prayer, wisdom can be obtained (Jas. 1: 5). Prayer can result in deliverance from evil and to find help in time of need (Lk. 11: 4, Heb. 4: 16).
Some conditions of answered prayer. Here are a few of the stated conditions for answered prayer: One must pray in belief (Jas. 1: 6), unselfishly (Jas. 4: 3, 4), in Christ's name (Jn. 15: 7, 8). Prayer, according to the scriptures, is a privilege of obedience (I Jn. 3: 33).
Some hindrances to answered prayer. Family problems can hinder prayer (I Pet. 3: 7). One who fails to forgive another can also expect his prayer to go unanswered (Matt. 6: 12, 14, 15). Lack of repentance and idols in one's heart can hinder prayer (Isa. 59: 1; Ezek. 14: 3, 4).
Let us now see what we have learned. From the four nouns and five verbs we learn of the action of man approaching God - man the seeker and God with the ability to supply man's needs. We learned there are times of intense petitioning, even begging. We discovered the very individual parts (elements) of prayer being confession, praise, thanksgiving, petitioning, supplication, and intercession. We gleaned a number of stated reasons for prayer. We also considered some conditions and hindrances of answered prayer. Do you enjoy the privilege of answered prayer?