KNOWLEDGE QUESTION 4: WHAT IS PRAYER?

What is prayer? The response may differ according to the person, background, culture, or race. Oftentimes, prayers have become a laundry list of people to bless; what is needed; or what is desired. Also, an abundant amount of time is spent asking for forgiveness. Prayer time has been dissolved to cries, moans and complaints to God. Or, to pepper God with the who, what and why questions about present, past, future or worldly things.

Now it’s time to renew the way prayer is conducted. Prayer is the most important act in the relationship with God.  Let’s define prayer and discuss the: what, who, why, when and where.

Knowledge Question: What do you think prayer is?

What and who-Prayer is an intimate conversation with your heavenly Father. Intimate means to have a very close private relationship. God is your Almighty Father; prayers should always be with reverence (honor and respect).

Why-God wants to have a special bond with His children. Our Father wants to be involved in all areas of our lives. We should want that connection as well. He is our Protector, Comforter, Advisors, just to name a few. Most do not realize He is our Friend. We talk and confide in our friends every day.

Knowledge Question: What is the beginning to a great relationship with God?

Prayer, a discussion, talk or conversation with God is the beginning to establishing a warm and loving connection.

Knowledge Question: When do you pray?

When- Anytime. Prayer should not be only a nightly ritual at your bedside, with hands clasped and eyes closed. Think of someone you are very close. A spouse? A best friend? Do you only communicate with them nightly for maybe 5 minutes? No, there are exceptions, but generally you speak to them for extended amounts of time and sometimes, several times throughout the day. Prayers to God should be multiple times throughout the day.

Where-Anywhere! When you’re in the car; on the bus; at work; at school, lunchtime, break times, when things are good when things are bad; or when guidance or direction is needed.

 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4King James Version (KJV)