Submitted by:
La’Tonya A. Brown
November 16, 2012
Survey of the New Testament
REL 210 - 71B
Prayer can be defined as a reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship, or the act of making a reverent petition to God, a god, or another object of worship; an act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving; a fervent request; the thing requested; or the slightest chance or hope. Prayer can just simply mean communication with God. Prayer can also lead us into dependence upon God. It involves many aspects and sometimes produces faith. A person with faith without prayer is like a skeleton less a body. Prayer can lead us to confession, conviction, conformation, declaration, decisions of righteousness, standing firm in Jesus, and a victorious life.
The importance of daily communication through prayer cannot be overestimated. It is so important that it is mentioned over 250 times in Scripture. Daily prayer gives us an opportunity to share all aspects of our lives with God. Second, daily prayer gives us the chance to express our gratitude for the things He provides. Third, daily prayer provides the platform for confessing our sin and asking for help in overcoming that sin. Fourth, daily prayer is an act of worship and obedience. And finally, daily prayer is a way to acknowledge who is really in control of our lives (http://www.gotquestions.org/daily-prayer.html).
Only prayer can invite God’s presence and God’s presence can bring an anointing in our lives. It is through knowing God in prayer that He is able to touch someone’s condition and give wonderful divine revelations. Many of God’s servants are unfit for the Lord’s work because they don’t have a prayer life. Without prayer, God’s servant is like a ship without a sail, not knowing God’s direction and therefore frustration and disappointment replace victory and confidence. A
References: Eriksen, Karen and Chet Weld. (2007). Christian Clients’ Preferences Regarding Prayer as a Counseling Intervention Van Voorst, Robert E. (2005). Reading the New Testament Today. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Watson, Thomas. The Lord’s Prayer. Retrieved November 16, 2012 from http://www.gracegems.org/Watson/lords_prayer1.htm Why is daily prayer important? Retrieved November 16, 2012 from http://www.gotquestions.org/daily-prayer.html