It does happen sometimes that we don’t know where to turn next, or we may even get lost looking for a particular destination or address. This topic has become the source for some of our jokes about the difference between men and women – men are accused of not wanting to stop and ask for directions!

We can never say, while we are still living in the world, that we have arrived. All of us are challenged, have difficulties, or need advice and directions regarding the issues of life that we are facing on the journey to Heaven. God has given us Prayer as a wonderful way of “checking in” with Him as we continue our journey to eternity with Him. Prayer is our way of “asking for directions,” but also a great way to communicate with God, to praise Him and to confess our sins to Him.

The following questions and answers will help you understand more about prayer.

What is prayer?

• It is talking to God. You don’t need “big words,” a different vocabulary or a special voice to be able to talk to God.
• It is responding to God’s Word. After reading the Word, you may want to give expression to what you’ve heard from God by speaking to Him about it.
• It is part of “Quiet Time”. Christians refer to their private Bible reading and prayer as “quiet time.” This is a time of reflection, reading God’s Word and responding to God in prayer.
• It is good to form a habit of having a Quiet Time each day and this will help you grow in Christ.

What does prayer do for me?

• It shows my dependence on God. In prayer I acknowledge my dependence on Him.
• It keeps me in touch with God. o It allows me to share my intimate thoughts with God.
• It stimulates my relationship with God.
• It gives me an opportunity to bring my own and other people’s needs before God (see Ephesians 1:15-17; 3:14 and 6:19).

Why do we pray?

• It is commanded in Scripture (Matthew 6:9).
• People in the Bible prayed, including Jesus (Mark 1:34-35).
• It stimulates my relationship with God.
• It gives an opportunity to intercede for others.

How should I pray?

• With eyes open or shut, out aloud or silent (in your thoughts) – there is no prescription in the Bible. Most find it helpful to close their eyes.
• Just speak with/to God as you would to anyone you respect.
• Use “normal” language – don’t learn another vocabulary.
• Pray Scripture back to God. Start doing this with the Psalms.
• Respond to what He has said to you in His Word.
• Use the Names of God in the Bible to “pray back to Him.”
• Make a prayer list for each day of the week and use it to keep your prayers focused.

What should I pray for?

• Your own needs – bring your family and friends before God.
• The church – pray for your pastor, the Sunday services and different ministries of the church.
• Missionaries. Get names of real missionaries and focus on just a few of them.
• Our country and leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• Create a daily, weekly and monthly prayer list, listing your own needs, your family members, friends, church needs, etc.

Are there different kinds of prayer?

• Prayer can take on many different forms and aspects. There is no one “right” way to pray. Your prayers could include the following:
  • - Worship and adoration (Rev 22:9).
  • - Confession of sin (1 John 1:9).
  • - Thanksgiving (1 Thess 5:18).
  • - Supplication (asking of God) (Matthew 7:7).

Does God answer prayer?

• Yes, always – but not necessarily in the way we want. We must learn to trust God and His insights into our needs. But ultimately we can rest in the knowledge that God desires what is both best for us and our joy in his glory
• Sometimes the answer may be “No” or “Wait!”