...PRAYER...

"Let Heaven Hear From You"

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What does prayer really mean?   Is it God talking to me or is it me talking to God?

When should I pray?

  More importantly, does God hear and answer my prayers?

 

These are all legitimate questions that people struggle with every day of their lives.  In fact, many burden themselves with the details and specifics of prayer; causing unwarranted nervousness, anxiety and stress.  Ironically, these are the same feelings and emotions that we initiate prayer to alleviate in our lives.  

 Simply put, PRAYER is communication with God the Father in the name of the Son, Jesus Christ through the aid and power of the Holy Spirit. Rn. 8:26  To be afforded the access to converse with a Holy God is a beautiful privilege.  To be given the opportunity to share our heart’s desires and cries is humbling and empowering.

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 We will not attempt to exhaust the full breadth and depth of the topic prayer; however, we will answer a few essential questions that people struggle with every day.  Through the Holy Spirit, our prayer is that God will ignite an interest within you to personally pray more.

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 A few questions that are related to prayer:

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Why and when should we pray?

     We’re instructed to pray

     Pray Continually/Always

 

Yes, we’re instructed to pray continually without ceasing.  I Chr. 16:11 and I Thes. 5:17 

 

Most importantly, we’re instructed to pray …by JESUS.  Lk. 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

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Of course, this thought will likely cause a new cluster of questions associated with prayer.  In spite of new questions or concerns that may arise, we should always remember to refer to the original thought.  Prayer is…Speaking out of our heart, to a Holy, Loving, Forgiving God, while listening in the process. This captures the essence of prayer.

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What should I pray first?

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray as John taught his disciples.  Immediately, He responds with guidance and instruction on what and how they should pray…See Luke 1. Note: Non-believers are encouraged to pray a prayer of repentance and a confession of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior first.

 

Where do we pray? And… Should we pray alone or with someone?

You can pray publicly, privately, alone and even with others. Prayer is not limited to a specific location such church or a building.  Jesus would often pray alone in a solidary place such as on a mountain or in a garden.  Yet, Paul and Silas prayed while in prison at midnight and it is well documented that many were gather together praying for Peter at Mary’s house. Therefore, remember God patiently waits to hear from you…any time or any place. 

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Does God hear my prayers? If He does, will He answer my prayers?

Answer: Yes…God hears your prayers.  He’s Omnipresent Ever-present/Everywhere and Omniscient -  All Knowing.  Keep in mind, He alone chooses how and when to answer your prayers.  Also, His silence doesn’t equate to a prayer that isn’t answered.

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If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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.

2 Chronicles 7:14