1 Timothy 2:8

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; (ESV)

So if prayer is the goal, let’s examine it a bit.

What is prayer?

Prayer is a privilege.  Prayer is a direct line of communication and communion with our Father, the God of all creation, being facilitated by the perfection of his Trinitarian being.  The Spirit helps us convey our prayers even when all we can let out is a sob and a tear, or we are so confused and scared we don’t know what to say to God.  Our Lord Jesus Christ takes the prayers of an unholy sinner and covers them with his blood and forgiveness making them worthy to present to His Father.  Our Father God receives these prayers as a loving Father who listens to His children in pure and perfect love.  I pray because I want to talk to my Father in Heaven, not only out of Biblical commands, but also out of Joy that I am allowed unlimited audiences with the highest authority in the Universe.

Prayer is praising and worshiping God

Prayer begins with praise. Hannah prayed (1 Sam 2:1-10). But we do not read of any petition there. When she considered the Lord and thought of him and his ways her prayer turned into praise. Praise is the purest form of prayer.

Prayer is thanksgiving

When we praise Him for who He truly is, we thank Him for what He has done. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Ps 103:2). We thank him for saving us. We thank him for keeping us safe. We thank him for his providence. Thanking God makes us content and contentment is a sign of godliness. “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes 5:18). We may not understand all the reasons for what is happening to us or around us – why we are sick, why we are poor, why we suffer, or why we have failed, or why God has not given us the things we have asked for or why we are troubled. But you are assured that He is still on the throne and He directs everything for His will and our good. Therefore we can thank him always, in all things, and in every season.

Prayer is supplication

Philippians 4:6

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (ESV)

Prayer is not demanding. Prayer is not simply giving a list of everything we need to God. He is not a magical piñata in the sky. To supplicate is to make an earnest and humble entreaty to God. In the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee (Luke18:9-14), the tax collector stood far off and didn’t even lift his eyes to heaven, but he beat his chest and prayed: “God be merciful to me, a sinner”. And the tax collector went away justified. Humility is a rare trait even in Christians. “… God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6). Man cannot by any act of his of own, bring God to a more favorable disposition towards himself. Man is totally dependent on Him. Jesus said: “… apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Prayer is Intersession

We are called to intercede for others.

1 Timothy 2:1-3

2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, (ESV)

God wants us to spread the Gospel to all men. We are called to pray for softening of hearts and movements of God’s glory in all people and places to allow God to show the full power and beauty of His grace and power.

Prayer is asking God for our specific needs

Prayer is also making requests to God to fulfill our specific needs. Prayer is asking or making our request made known unto God. He knows it already, but we are told to make the request to Him.

Luke 11:9-10

9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (ESV)

We are told to pray. If it is good and in His will that we should have it, He will give it. If it is not, he will not.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

We have the assurance that He has heard our prayer.

How do we pray?

So now that we have examined what prayer is, let’s delve into how we are to pray.

What attitude should we pray in?

Humility, repentance, supplication. When you enter the presence of God do not rush to start rattling off words. God is in heaven and you are on earth. Understand who God is. Understand what a wonderful person He is and we get to speak with him in prayer! So when you enter into his presence look at him with awe, reverence, love and gratitude and in addition quiet and calm your mind and enjoy his presence before you begin prayer. When you see Him and understand who He really is, you can’t help but pray to Him from the proper attitude.

Ask the Lord to search your heart, and to show you if there are any wicked ways in it. He is faithful to show us our motivations and secret desires. Keep a short account with the Lord.

1 John 1:8-9

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)

If you know there are wounds from hurts you have received, allow God the Father to heal those areas as you forgive and receive forgiveness and healing. If you find it hard to hear from God, ask Him to show hindrances in your own life that are stopping you from receiving and giving to the Lord.

To pray effectively, pray out of a pure heart, so you don’t pray in bitterness, anger and judgment.

Praying For Others is front line spiritual warfare. It is essential that you pray for protection for yourself and your family as you enter into intercession. Sin can provide an open door for the enemy to attack us. If, when you pray for others, you find things falling apart in your own life, ask the Lord to search your heart and show you any doors left open because of your own sin, or sin against you. Remember, we are at war. There is no peace until Jesus comes again.

When do we pray?

1 Thessalonians 5:17

17 pray without ceasing, (ESV)

This suggests a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in his presence throughout each day. We are to live out lives coram Deo, in the presence of God. Your mind and thoughts should constantly be focused on His kingdom, His glory, and His will. It is great to pray during set aside quiet time when possible, but it is much easier to keep our minds and spirits where they should be when we discipline ourselves to listen and speak to God without ceasing.

What are the Hindrances?

See “Prayer and Possible Hindrances Thereof“.
Mostly boils down to one key concept.  Humility.  Pray to God in complete and total humility.  Remove yourself from the equation and put all of it on God.  This will strip out the hindrances.

How can we pray intimately?

Prayer is truly about communicating in our relationship with our Father and Creator. If our prayer life consists only of supplication and intercession, it can lead to anger and frustration. If prayer is not answered in the speed that we wish it to be answered, we can become bitter and resentful toward God. However, If we grow to truly know God, a delayed answer to prayer also becomes an opportunity to pray again. Spending much time with the Lord is one of the only methods to truly know His ways, and not just His acts. Knowing God leads to resting in the assurance of His ultimate goodness, despite the circumstances we see around us.

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (ESV)

The presence of God is there at all times. Learning to know He is there will take time, patience, and discipline. Just drink in His love.  In the presence of God, fear cannot rule, anxiety cannot reside, heaviness will not be tolerated. You need to learn to tune into His presence, it is always there, but we need to practice becoming aware of it.

Summary

So, we know that we should pray constantly in humble intimacy with our Creator God.  While praising and worshiping in humble supplication and thanksgiving.  When you are praying for your needs, make sure they are needs, and be thankful no matter how God replies.  Grow in your knowledge of Him.  He wants to spend time with you and walk with you daily.  You should be so humbled and honored it should be your favorite activity all day every day.  Be accustomed to periods of silence and don’t be afraid of pauses.  Keep your priorities straight in prayer.  Remember, when you grow with God, you will crave time in prayer with Him.  Prayer is not a chore, but a joy in which every child of God should rejoice every moment of every day possible.

Shalom in your wonderful time with the Father.