What is Prayer?
Prayer is not an algebraic equation or a scientific formula that has to be theorized and proven. Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. Think of prayer as an open dialogue between you and someone you care about. During that dialogue, communication flows in both directions with transparency and honesty. Sometimes the dialogue is to explain a point, comprehend a matter, or just to enjoy one’s presence. It’s the same when it comes to our Heavenly Father. Your relationship with Him gives you the privilege to speak with Him at any time about anything for all eternity. The more you talk to God, the deeper the conversation becomes.
Does Prayer Work?
There are many, many Biblical accounts of answered prayers. Esther prayed for bravery before approaching the King of Xerxes on behalf of her people, and God saved them from annihilation. Rachel was barren and ridiculed because of her condition and prayed to God for a son. God answered and gave her a tribe. Hannah, also barren, prayed for a child, and God gave her the prophet Samuel who would later play a role in anointing King David, an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Someone prayed for a new job, and God gave them not only a job but a financial breakthrough. Another prayed for healing, and God restored not only that person but healed their family from generational diseases. Still another prayed for forgiveness of sins, and God gave them new life. We face obstacles daily because every day has its own battles. There are times that these daily battles are not resolved before another one starts, leaving us overwhelmed, tired, broken and feeling defeated. The solution is prayer. Prayer works. Talk to the Lord about your daily battles and be specific. Though He knows your battles, He takes pleasure in your faith in Him, which moves His hand to work in on your behalf. Friend, never underestimate the power of your prayers. The prayers of the righteous are very effective. One person’s prayers can affect generations to come. You are an answered prayer.
Why Pray if God Knows Everything?
The Bible encourages us to pray. When you neglect to pray, you miss out on promises and blessings that God chooses to release to you only when you ask. For it is written: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior, you have entered a relationship with Him and has become His child. You have been given access to Him through prayer, no priest needed. You are the priest who has been given permission to enter the Throne Room at any time about anything. So enter…boldly. If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior, you can make this life-changing decision right now. Romans 10:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He also expects us to turn from our sinful way. God will not allow sin into Heaven. Let’s be clear, just because you accept Christ into your heart does not mean you will not ever sin. He has given you access to Him for anything, including forgiveness of sins you may commit in the future. In addition, He will always give you a way out. But do not continue to sin voluntarily in hopes of relying on His grace. So if you are ready, believe and recite the Sinner’s Prayer: “Dear God, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. I believe that He died on the cross for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I ask that You come into my heart from this day forward. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.” If you have prayed this prayer for the first time, we would like to celebrate with you and give you some next steps! Email us at hello@theprayerwallkit.com to let us know. This is the best decision you will ever make…welcome to the family!
How to Pray?
Jesus left the perfect framework of how we should pray. In Matthew 6:9-13, He leaves no room for confusion as it relates to praying. It reads: “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” We begin praying by glorifying God’s name or making His Name great. That means to give Him honor for being our Creator, our Lord and Father. Jesus’ framework then moves to seeking the Will of God in every circumstance. No matter how we feel, we have an opportunity to seek God for His Will concerning any situation. He truly knows what’s best. Jesus then makes it clear that we must ask God for forgiveness. That’s because God will not welcome a prayer of someone who is arrogant and prideful. We must always ask God for forgiveness so that the Lord’s cleansing power will help us be more Christ-like. Finally, Jesus understands another point: we need self-control. Temptation is all around us and we must ask the Lord to make us realize when we are getting out of position. As we pray according to the Scriptures, we step into the heartbeat and tone of God. You will then find yourself praying for family, friends, business deals, and many other focus points. Read and memorize our Scripture cards. Don’t forget to read and memorize Scripture. The more you align yourself with the Word of God, the more your prayers will reflect His Will in your life and others.