Question: What is the truth about prayer?
Answer: God speaks to us today through His Son (Heb. 1:1,2). The Son expresses his will through his word (Jn. 20:30,31,2 Jn.9). God's people communicate with God through prayer. For this reason, "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Lk. 18:1). However, men need to be taught to pray (Lk. 11:1).
The object or one addressed. According to the scriptures, God the Father is addressed. Jesus taught the disciples this basic truth (Matt. 6:9). Jesus, as High Priest, serves as advocate (Heb. 4:14-16, I Jn. 2:1). The Holy Spirit functions as intercessor (Rom. 8:26).
The elements of prayer. Confession of sin is, if you will, an element of successful prayer (I Jn. 1:8,9). Jesus illustrated that praise is also part of prayer when he taught, "Hallowed be thy name" (Matt. 6:9). Supplication, thanksgiving, and intercession are also elements (I Tim. 2:1).
Conditions of answered prayer. Man does not like conditions! He seeks to deny them in all aspects of religion. Nonetheless, conditions remain. One must pray in faith (Jas. 1:6,7). We must abide in Christ. Hear Him: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you: (Jn. 15:7). We are to pray "in Christ's name" (Jn. 14:13, 14). We must not selfishly pray (Jas. 4:3). Beloved, in order for us to enjoy the blessing of answered prayer, we must be obedient. Hear the inspired apostle John: "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (I Jn. 3:22).
My friend, do you enjoy answered prayer? God wants to help you with your struggles and burdens. Peter said, "Casting all you care upon him; for he careth for you" (I Pet. 5:7).