Interesting Topical Bible Chapters:

1. The Ten Commandments: Ex 20

WHAT IS PRAYER?

In Philippians 4:6 it says, Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.

Basically prayer is simply talking to God just like you would talk to your very best friend. God made us all unique and wants our love. He is our Father and loves us very much. Talk to Him, tell Him you love Him and thank Him for the blessings you do have. Prayer's purpose is to assist us in building our relationship with God. There is incredible power in prayer.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

How should you pray?

Matthew 6:5-15 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. 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.

This is the best example of how we should go about it. It starts by addressing God as our Father in heaven, that although His name is honoured, and above all other names, we are His children. As such, we occupy a place of privilege, and He wants us to spend time in prayer with Him. The Lords prayer then moves on to pray that God's Kingdom, or rule, will become the norm on earth, replacing human rules and governments, which too often are driven by greed and power.

Only then do we turn to our own needs, and ask our Father for our basic human needs to be satisfied, and that He would forgive the wrong things that we have done. We ask for God's guidance and protection as we journey through life.

Finally we turn back to God, and acknowledge His supremacy and position as the Almighty ruler.

Types of Biblical Prayers:

- Confession (Psalm 51; Luke 18:10-24) ;
- Praise (1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Luke 1:46-55)
- Thanksgiving (Psalm 105:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) ;
- Petition (Genesis 24:12-14; Acts 1:24-26) ;
- Intercession (Exodus 32:11-13; Philippians 1:9-11) ;
- Commitment (1 Kings 8:56-61; Acts 4:24-30) ;
- Forgiveness (Daniel 9:4-19; Acts 7:60) ;
- Confidence (Psalm 23; Luke 2:29-32) ;

- Benediction (Numbers 6:24-26; Jude 24)

Work through these types of prayer, and see how God strengthens your faith and your relationship with Him! See more prayer related articles on our blog.