What is the truth about prayer?
Introduction. God speaks to us today through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2). The Son expresses his will through his word (John 20:30-31; 2 John 9). God's people communicate with God through prayer. For this reason, "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). However, men need to be taught to pray (Luke 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). As High Priest, Jesus serves as advocate (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1). The Holy Spirit functions as intercessor (Rom. 8:26).
The elements of prayer. Confession of sin is an element of successful prayer (1 John 1:8-9). Jesus illustrated that praise is also part of prayer when he taught, "Hallowed be thy name" (Matt. 6:9). Supplication/requests, thanksgiving, and intercession on behalf of others are also elements (1 Tim. 2:1).
Conditions of acceptable prayer. To be acceptable to God, our prayers must satisfy certain conditions. In order for us to enjoy the blessing of answered prayer, we must be obedient. One must pray in a faith based on knowing what God has authorized (1 John 5:14; Jas. 1:6-7; Rom. 10:17). We must obediently abide in Christ: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you: (John 15:7). We are to pray "in Christ's name" or by his authority (John 14:13-14). We must not pray selfishly (Jas. 4:3). As the inspired apostle John writes: "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (1 John 3:22).
Answers to prayer. While God may grant what we ask, sometimes God answers with something different (2 Cor. 12:7-9; James 4:13-16). We should always recognize that God knows what's best for us.
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" (1 Pet. 5:7).
The object or one addressed. According to the scriptures, God the Father is addressed. Jesus taught the disciples this basic truth (Matt. 6:9). As High Priest, Jesus serves as advocate (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1). The Holy Spirit functions as intercessor (Rom. 8:26).
The elements of prayer. Confession of sin is an element of successful prayer (1 John 1:8-9). Jesus illustrated that praise is also part of prayer when he taught, "Hallowed be thy name" (Matt. 6:9). Supplication/requests, thanksgiving, and intercession on behalf of others are also elements (1 Tim. 2:1).
Conditions of acceptable prayer. To be acceptable to God, our prayers must satisfy certain conditions. In order for us to enjoy the blessing of answered prayer, we must be obedient. One must pray in a faith based on knowing what God has authorized (1 John 5:14; Jas. 1:6-7; Rom. 10:17). We must obediently abide in Christ: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you: (John 15:7). We are to pray "in Christ's name" or by his authority (John 14:13-14). We must not pray selfishly (Jas. 4:3). As the inspired apostle John writes: "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (1 John 3:22).
Answers to prayer. While God may grant what we ask, sometimes God answers with something different (2 Cor. 12:7-9; James 4:13-16). We should always recognize that God knows what's best for us.
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" (1 Pet. 5:7).