Prayer is foundational to a growing relationship with God. On this page we will examine passages of Scripture from the life of Jesus, from the rest of the New Testament, and from the Old Testament. Then I will offer my opinion and experiences with prayer.
From Jesus
Matthew 5: 44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Mark 1: 35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 6: 46
After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Luke 5: 16
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6: 12
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Luke 9: 28-29
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
Luke 11: 1-13
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’ “Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Other New Testament Passages
Acts 4: 31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 12: 5
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Romans 8: 26
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 with groans that words cannot express.
Ephesians 6: 18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
1Thessalonians 5: 16
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 4: 2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
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Old Testament Background
2Chronicles 7: 14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Psalm 5: 2-3
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 32: 6
Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found;
Practical Application
Prayer is central to the spiritual life. Jesus often spent time alone in prayer and the Scriptures everywhere emphasize the importance and necessity of prayer. I recommend beginning each day with simple prayer and devotional, then continuing through the day with short prayers in order to stay in touch with God. It's also wise to end the day with prayer. From time to time, if possible, spend longer time alone in prayer, as Jesus did. Remember, boldness and persistence are important in prayer, so do not be afraid to ask repeatedly for what you want from God.
Here are the basic parts of prayer:
1. Adoration - Proclaim to your heavenly Father what you appreciate about him and why you find him worthy of worship and praise. Thank God for the blessings you have received, especially the ones you are tempted to take for granted.
2. Intercession - Pray for the concerns of others, whether they are near or far away.
3. Confession - Admit to God the true nature of your soul. Be honest with God about where you have failed and where you need to mature more.
4. Petition - Ask God, as a child asks their parent, for those things you would like to see come to pass that you believe would be in accordance with His will.
5. Devotion - Take time to be still and to be sensitive to the thoughts and impressions which come to you as you seek to be made aware of how God might be directing you in your life.