Prayer is two-way communication between people and God.
It is one of the greatest gifts that God has given. Prayer changes the world.
Prayer changes the church. Prayer changes the individual. Jesus taught his
disciples how to pray (see “Prayer” in the training module “Call to Missions”)
through the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13). Prayer and fasting go together (see
Matt. 6:9-18). When we fast, our hunger reminds us to pray throughout each day.
Someone suggested using the acrostic ACTS to remind us how to
pray:
A Adoration of God
C Confession of sin
T Thanksgiving to God
S Supplication—asking God to supply needs
Consider each of these parts of prayer. We adore God by praising
and honoring him, telling of his attributes—his holiness, sovereignty, love,
mercy, grace, and faithfulness (see Rev. 4:9-11). We confess our sin so that we
may be forgiven and have fellowship with God (see 1 John 1:9). We thank God for
his blessings in all circumstances (see 1 Thess. 5:16-18). Such thanksgiving
makes us happy and it makes God happy (see Luke 17:11-19). Supplication is the
act of petitioning God to supply some needs (see Matt. 7:7-8; Phil. 4:6). We
may petition God to provide for our need, or we may have intercessory prayer
for the needs of others.
We should pray to God the Father (see Matt. 6:9) in the name of
Jesus (see John 16:24) by the power of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:26,27).
Praying the name of Jesus is not only citing his name, but also praying
according to his nature. Praying in the name of Jesus is appealing to the authority
of Jesus, who has overcome sin and death through his sacrifice on the cross
(see Rev. 3:21). It is the nature of Jesus to desire to do the will of the
Father (see Luke 22:42).
Not only should we speak to God in prayer, we should listen and
watch for his response (see John 10:27; Psalm 5:3). It is helpful to pray in a
quiet private place, listening for God to respond to our petitions. Preferably
we should pray where there are few distractions. God may respond with a still quiet
voice, impressing our heart and mind with his word. It is helpful to have a
Bible and meditate on Scripture as we pray. In this way, God may speak through
the written Word to emphasize something to us. As we meditate on Scripture that
we read or have memorized, we can ask God, “How can I apply these teachings in
my life?” Or we may pray the Scripture to God, saying, “I trust in your
promises found in Scripture.” If we are devoted to Jesus and remain in his
teaching, our prayers will be answered (see John 15:7).
When should we pray? Anytime. Prayer can be a word or two. It can
last for hours. It is helpful to set aside a particular time or times daily for
prayer. We can pray when we wake up (see Psalm 5:3), before we go to sleep, or
three times daily like the prophet Daniel (see Dan. 6:10). Prayer is not only
words—it is an attitude. We should have an attitude of gratitude. Prayer is
done in private (see Matt. 6:6), in a group (see Matt. 18:19,20), and in the
church (see Luke 19:46). What are the elements of effective prayer? Some
elements are given above.
Also, consider the following:
1. Most importantly, the one praying must be a Christian—a person
declared righteous by the blood of Jesus (see James 5:16). Christ has ushered
in the Kingdom of Heaven, and Christians in the Kingdom have a special
relationship with God (see Matt 11:11). The prayers of Christians are powerful.
2. God does not listen to sinners, so we should seek forgiveness
and fellowship with God (see Psalm 66:18). One sin is mistreating a spouse, and
such sin inhibits the power of prayer (see 1 Peter 3:7).
3. We must forgive others in order for our sins to be forgiven,
and consequently for our prayers to be answered (see Mark 11:25).
4. Prayer must be done in faith (see Matt. 17:20).
5. We should persevere in prayer (see Luke 11:1-8).
6. Prayer should be from a humble heart (see 2 Chron. 7:14).
Can we expect God to answer all prayer? If we are living in sin,
he will not answer (Psalm 66:18). .” If we are devoted to Jesus and remain in
his teaching, our prayers will be answered (see John 15:7). If we abide in
Christ, we pray according to God’s will. Such prayers are answered.
God may respond to petitions in one of the following ways:
Yes No Wait
I have a better plan If he
says, “No,” or “I have a better plan,” we should be thankful that he exercised
judgment superior to ours. If he says, “Wait,” we should pray for patience.
When we experience answered prayer, we should always thank God. (For details and for free course
visit <www.missionstraining.org>)
