PRAYER… IT’S ABOUT A RELATIONSHIP
THE ONE TRUE GOD…
THE GOD WHO LOVES YOU…
Who seeks frequent interaction with those he created.
Because praying moves the hand of God to action, according to his will, his compassion, his mercy.
Approach God with reverence.
Acknowledge who he is and the great things he has done. Some Bible reading will be required.
Give thanks for his many blessings. Family, food, shelter, clothing, employment.
Pour out the heaviness of your heart to the God of heaven who is always listening, who never sleeps.
MANY WORDS ARE NOT NECESSARY:
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2 NIV
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” Matthew 6:7 NIV
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS:
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26 NIV
PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING:
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2 NIV
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NIV
PRAY FOR BOLDNESS:
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,”
Ephesians 6:19 NIV
PRAY FOR STRENGTH:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” Mark 14:38 NIV
PRAY FOR OTHERS:
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” 1 Samuel 12:23 NIV
URGE OTHERS TO PRAY:
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” 1 Timothy 2:8 NIV
Thank you Father for the privilege of prayer.
Greg’s journey into serious Bible reading and study began when his wife Jane, told him about a local men’s Bible Study Fellowship group. He discovered daily time in God’s word was absolutely necessary to living a practical Christian life. He committed this daily discipline drawing him into a closer fellowship with the Lord. Through the Holy Spirit, and much prayer, Greg began presenting the gospel on LinkedIn. His mission is to encourage Christians to read the Bible and learn for themselves the truth of God’s word. Greg and his wife Jane, are empty nesters residing in Sterling Heights, Michigan. They have two married children, Emily and Jordan, and one grandson Jack (Emily). You can find a variety of articles by Greg on Linkedin.
Photo by Wallpaper Cave
All of these are valid forms of prayer, but I would add a couple of items:
1. Place: I have sma picture on the wall next toy and my wife’s bed which has a picture of Jesus, and right next to it is a Cross with the name of my youngest brother, who died a year and a half ago at 62 years old of a heart attack. So, I sit there, and FOCUS on HIM and pray for my brother and family