What is Prayer?

Prayer is communication—a dialogue between you and God in a love relationship. It should be like talking to your best friend. Prayer is attitude—more important than what you say is why you are saying it.

Jesus Said in Matthew 6:5-13 and 7:7-12 that;
Our prayers should have sincerity, not be hypocritical (6:5-8).
Our prayers should have submission, acknowledging who God is (6:9-10). Our prayers should have supplication, expressing our needs to God (6:11-13). Our prayers should have strength, firm faith in God, his love and faithfulness (7:7 -8, 11).

When can you pray?
Pray without ceasing. This means having the communication channels open at all times. Communicate with God at any time and anywhere. Jonah prayed in the stomach of a great fish; Jesus prayed in a garden; Paul and Silas prayed in prison. You can even pray in a car, in class, at work, or in church.

Why should you pray?
Prayer gets God involved in your life. Prayer puts God at the center of your attention.
Prayer makes you aware of God’s plans for you, helping you become more sensitive to him. Prayer gives you an attitude of expectancy because prayer does change things such as circumstances, people, etc. Prayer changes you as God works on your attitudes, desires, and motives.

How does God want you to talk to Him?
You must be honest when you talk to God. He knows you, and you can’t fool him. You should be specific in you conversation with God, so you can see God’s specific answers to your prayers. You should pray with confidence, seeking to act in obedience to what God tells you to do. You can pray in any place or position. Don’t restrict yourself to closed eyes, folded hands, or a church building. You can pray with others. Don’t be afraid of letting others see your imperfections. Jesus says that others will know that we are his disciples by the way that we “love one another.” Prayer together will draw us closer together in love. And Jesus has promised that where two or three are gathered together in his name, there he will be among them.

What are some basics to help me have an effective prayer life?
1. Set a specific time to pray with attention focused on God.
2. Begin your prayer time with praise-focusing on who God is.
3. Take time to reflect on your relationship with Christ and others.
4. Confess sin and ask God to forgive you.
5. Thank God for what He has done in and around you.
6. Pray for the needs of others.
7. Talk with God about the things you need in your life.
8. Thank God for answered prayers and keep the conversations open for the rest of the day.

Pastor Eric