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(For traditional prayers of the Catholic
Church, click here)
What is prayer? Can anyone pray?
Why are we to pray? To Whom do we pray?
When should we pray? What should we include in our prayers?
What is prayer?
Prayer is communicating with God. Real prayer is expressing our devotion to
our heavenly Father, inviting Him to talk to us as we talk to Him.
Can anyone pray?
Yes. However, it is important to walk in faith and obedience to Christ
before, during, and after prayer.
Praying with a clean heart is vital to successful prayer. It is essential to
remove any unconfessed sin in our life or an unforgiving spirit (Psalm 66:18;
Mark 11:25).
Why are we to pray?
We pray to have fellowship with God, receive spiritual nurture and strength
to live a good and faithful life, and maintain boldness for a vital witness for
Christ.
Prayer releases God's great power to change the course of nature, people, and
nations.
Finally, God's Word commands us to pray (Luke 18:1; Acts 6:4; Mark 14:38;
Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1,2).
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To Whom do we pray?
We pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ through the
ministry of the Holy Spirit.
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When should we pray?
God's Word commands us to "Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians
5:17). We can be in prayer throughout the day, expressing and demonstrating our
devotion to God as we go about our daily tasks.
God wants us to be in touch with Him constantly. We can pray where ever we
are; in the car, while working, or while walking down the street.
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What should we include in our prayers?
ACTS
These basic elements should be included in our communication with God:
A-Adoration
To adore God is to worship and praise Him, to honor and exalt Him in our
heart and mind and with our lips.
C-Confession
When our discipline of prayer begins with adoration, the Holy Spirit has
opportunity to reveal any sin in our life that needs to be confessed.
T-Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving to God, for who He is and for the benefits we enjoy because we
belong to Him. God enables us to recognize that He controls all things so we
approach God with a thankful heart,
S-Supplication
Supplication includes petition for our own needs and intercession for others,
for a spouse, your children, your parents, neighbors, and friends; our nation
and those in authority over us. Pray for the salvation of souls.
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