THE POWER OF PRAYER

What is prayer?

Prayer is communication with the only true and living God. Prayer helps us to grow spiritually. As we pray we begin to build an intimate relationship with God. Through prayer we appeal to God for his mercy, grace, and love. 

Why should we pray?

God’s Words commands us to pray (Luke 18:1, 10,2). Jesus also prayed (Matthew 4:1-2). Jesus who is the Word, who is God, the Creator and Sustainer prayed before every major decision. 

How must we pray?

One of the most important elements of effective prayer is praying to the Father in JESUS’ name (John 14:13-14). We must also pray by faith, continually, with a pure heart, with thanksgiving, and assurance that our prayers will be answered (Mark 11:24-25) (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) (Philippians 4:4-7).  There is no right or wrong way to pray.  Prayer styles vary, and yours is uniquely designed for you. 

What should be included in our prayers?

Although prayer cannot be reduced to a formula, certain basic elements should always be included in our communication with God: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS).

• ADORATION: To adore God is to worship, praise, honor, exalt Him with our mouth, in our hearts, and with our mind. To acknowledge God’s Holiness.
• CONFESSION: We must confess our sins and turn away from our worldly ways.
• THANKSGIVING: An attitude of thanksgiving to God, for who He is and for the benefits and privileges we can enjoy because we belong to Him. We must thank God not just for the blessings, but for the problems and adversities as well.
• SUPPLICATION: Making a personal request to God for our own needs and on the behalf of others.

How does prayer impact my life?

We do not realize the impact of sin in our daily lives. We have spiritual and emotional barriers to prayer because of our un-confessed sin. For God to answer our prayers we must confess our sins, humble ourselves, seek God, and turn away from those things that are not pleasing to God. (Psalm 65:2)

Is Prayer Necessary?

Prayer is critical and necessary for Christians. As we spend time with God in prayer, He will give us the answers to our questions, solutions to our problems, guidance when in a dark or lost place in life, peace in the midst of a storm, understanding when we are confused, courage when we are dismayed, and faith when we’re in doubt. When we pray according to God’s will, which is His Word, we can be assured that our prayers will be answered.