Prayer

Prayer is the act of praying. The word “pray” in English means “to ask” or “to express a wish.” Prayer is a believer’s deliberate communication with God to praise Him, pour out their heart, ask for things, seek His will, gain strength against the devil and temptation, confess sins, or simply express their thoughts or desires. Prayer is not a religious ritual with empty words, but a genuine conversation with God made possible by the redemption of His Son, Jesus Christ. Believers call on God, praying in Jesus’ name, trusting that God will listen.

In Moses’ time, the Israelites went to the Tabernacle to pray. When King Solomon built the Temple, he prayed with his hands raised to heaven, saying, “Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea… that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house… Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive” (1 Kings 8:28-30). Jehovah is an omnipresent God, so people can worship, pray, and supplicate Him anywhere and at any time (Genesis 24:26-27, 25:22, 28:20-22, etc.).

In the New Testament era, God sent the Holy Spirit to be with believers at all times (John 14:16). Believers can pray at any time, in any format, and in any location. The Bible records people praying while kneeling, standing, sitting, walking, or lying in bed when ill. Believers often close their eyes while praying to separate their hearts from the outside world. We also follow Jesus’ example of praying in the morning and evening, giving thanks before meals, and praying before eating.

The Bible records:

[John 4:24] God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

[Luke 6:12-13] In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles.

[Philippians 4:6-7] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

[1 Thessalonians 5:16-18] Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.