Prayer

asking for sixpence

"It is like a small child going to his father and saying, 'Daddy, give me a sixpence to buy you a birthday present'. Of course, the father does, and he is pleased with the child's present." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:9-11

Prayer has been called talking to God, but more specifically it is asking God for things, as distinct from praising or worshipping him. So what does the bible teach us about prayer? What should we pray for? How should we pray? When and where?

So, how should we pray?
Matthew 6:5-13
What are the two things that Jesus emphasises about prayer in this passage?

What are the elements of prayer that Jesus gives in his example?

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
What things does Peter stress about pray here?

Matthew 21:21-22
What important part of prayer does Jesus reveal here?

Luke 18:1-8; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6
What do these passages say about what we should pray for, and when?

Mt !8:19-20; John 14:13-14;16:23
These passages talk about asking in Jesus' name, and there are other passages about speaking and doing everything "in his name." What do you think it means? Why is prayer "in Jesus' name" effective prayer? What characterises it as being in Jesus' name?

James 5:13-16
What reasons does James give for prayer here? Look at the last few verses and think about who is righteous.

We've looked at a lot of stuff about what we should be praying for, and how we should be praying, but how do we actually put that into practice? How do we know exactly what to pray when? Check these out:
Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20; Romans 8:26

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