(In this article, the Lord’s Prayer is quoted from Matthew 6:9-13 KJV).

The disciples came to Christ in Luke 11 requesting: “Lord, teach us to pray.” The greatest prayer ever written has become known as the “Lord’s Prayer” and is a pattern of which to follow. What a wonderful blessing to learn from the Son of God himself how to pray. This model prayer contains many elements that will enable people to pray effectually as they open their hearts in sincerity and love, pour out their devotion, and make their requests to God. “After this manner therefore pray ye….”Read more

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. —Philippians 4:6

Take it to the Lord in prayer. Prayer changes things. Pray on until the answer comes. Prayer is the key. These songs and phrases resonate in my heart as I study the topic of this quarter: prayer. Prayer is often seen by Christians as a hardship and something to feel guilty about because it is often neglected. May the Spirit of God help us to understand that prayer is a privilege and a wonderful opportunity to be refreshed by the love and Spirit of God. It is an occasion to worship God and a time to cast our burdens upon the Lord. What a blessing to be able to pour out the depth of our heart to a God who loves us and is able and willing to help us carry our load.Read more

On multiple occasions we read in the Scripture of Christ praying before eating. “Looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples” (Matthew 14:19). In different passages, the gospel writers sometimes used the word “blessing” and others “gave thanks.” It is interesting to note that Christ was most probably following the Jewish custom not of blessing the bread itself but giving thanks to God. Jews were forbidden to eat or drink without first acknowledging God by giving thanks.

The Jewish blessing reads thus: “Blessed are you O Lord, our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth!”

The custom and pattern then was not to “bless” the food but to give thanks or blessings to God who provided the food. Paul “took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat” (Acts 27:35).

It is a custom worthy of following to give God thanks for His provision at every meal in all settings, public or private.

Scripture Reading: Pray without ceasing. —1 Thessalonians 5:17

Definition: Prayer is communicating and interacting with God. It consists of
“adoration, or an expression of our sense of God’s glorious perfections, confession of
our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others,
and thanksgiving” [Webster’s Dictionary, 1828].

Summary: Prayer is the essential by which mankind can have personal acquaintance and communion with God. Prayer is a medium by which to worship and glorify God. It is the avenue by which one may access salvation and the graces of the Spirit. It is the cord that reaches between Heaven and earth and enables man to know and understand the will of God. Prayer changes the heart and by faith, it can change circumstances though the power of God. It is one of the most vital ingredients to living a successful Christian life.Read more

Prayer is a reflection of the relationship we have with God. It is a wonderful privilege to enter into the presence of God and communicate with Him at any time, any place, and in any situation. Prayer is not only a time of asking for something but a time of worship and spiritual renewal.

Instructed by Christ

Jesus instructed that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). This is repeatedly reinforced in the scripture: “Continue in prayer, and watch” (Colossians 4:2). It is God’s desire to have a close, personal relationship with mankind. A fulfilling relationship takes time and nurturing, and prayer is that avenue by which people can become connected with God. Without communication, there will not be much of a relationship. God wants us to daily walk with Him as did Enoch. Jesus entreated His disciples to abide in Him as a branch is connected to the vine. Prayer is a major source of abiding in Christ, partaking of His nature and bearing spiritual fruit. James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.”Read more