Understanding Prayer

Why do we pray? What is prayer? I hope I will answer these questions, and more.

Things You’ll Need:
Bible
A Love For Jesus

Step 1
WHAT IS PRAYER?
1. Prayer is communication with Jesus. It’s a conversation between you and your close friend, Jesus. Anything you share with your close friends, you should feel free to share with Jesus. Even things you can’t tell your other friends you can tell Jesus. He knows about it anyway and it will help you to talk about it knowing that it is just between you and Jesus.
2. Prayer is also a form of praise. When we praise God, we are lifting up God. We are showing appreciation for all He is to us, all He dose for us and all He will do for us. It is one way to say “Thank you, Jesus”.
3. Prayer is service. It is a way that Christians serve others. We ask for God to take care of the needs of others. Every time we ask God to do something for someone else we are using prayer as a service.

Step 2
WHY DO WE PRAY?
1. Because each of us face daily trials and afflictions, we pray. We ask for strength, courage, wisdom and words to get through each trial and affliction.
2. We pray to thank God for all we have. Showing God our gratitude is a privilege. Daily we are called to be thankful for all we have. After all, everything we have is from God.
3. We want to share our joy with our Savior. Although Jesus knows everything that happens to us, He wants us to communicate that joy with Him. Just as we tell our friends when good things happen, we should tell Jesus.
4. We pray for Spiritual Growth. We ask God to save lost souls as well as strengthen our spiritual life.
5. We ask God to protect others.
6. We ask God to provide for others.
7. We pray to nurture our relationship with God. A relationship can’t grow without daily communication.
Step 3
WHEN SHOULD WE PRAY?
1. We should pray first thing every morning. Just like you greet your family in the mornings, greet Jesus.
2. We should pray over every meal we eat. Thanks God for providing the food.
3. We should pray before making any major decisions (even small decisions could use some prayers). Pray over your finances before you write out those bills.
4. Pray every time you travel. Even if it is just a five minute trip to the store, pray for safety. Pray for others who are traveling.
5. Pray before big tests or important meetings. Pray while you prepare for those tests or important meetings. Pray for others who are facing these things.
6. Pray before bed. Thanks God for getting you through another day. Pray for a safe and restful night.
7. Pray anytime and all the time. At stoplights, in the shower, over your morning coffee. Commit to pray at the same time everyday or commit to pray at random times everyday. Just pray!
Step 4
WHAT STOPS US FROM PRAYING?
1. Maybe we are having problems in our marriage and feel ashamed or embarrassed. Life has been hectic and time has gotten away from us and suddenly we find ourselves staring at a stranger who is our spouse. We should pray that God will draw us back together. We should pray God will remind both of us why we fell in love. We should ask God to help us fall in love again with our spouse.
2. Sometimes we are afraid to pray because we feel there is sin in our life. Maybe we have tried to quit smoking but haven’t been able to. Maybe we tried the patch or gum but we haven’t been able to give it up. We need to ask God to help us.
3. The thing that stops us from praying the most is our lack of hearing. I don’t mean we can’t hear, I mean we don’t listen to God. We get so busy we can’t hear Him whisper to us. Our lives are filled with endless noise blocking out the call of Jesus.
* The more time we give to God, the more time we have for all of those things occupying our days. It’s called PRIORITIZING.

* You can’t out give God. The more you you give of yourself, the more of God you receive. The more joy you feel. The more peace you gain.
* Whatever your day holds, set aside time each day to be alone with God. Spend time with Him. Nurture your relationship as you would with any friendship. A relationship grows stronger when you spend time together.