PRAYER

* What is it?
Communicating directly with God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:17; John 14:13)

* Why do we pray?
To praise Him (He wants praise), to thank Him, to confess problems to Him, to confess sin, to intercede for others, to ask for help, to ask for needs, to ask for supplies, to ask for mercy, to ask for grace, to ask for anything He will allow. (Psalm 140:1-4; 34:4; 138:3; 1 John 1:9)

* What should we say?
Be specific. (Isaiah 38:2 & 3; Matthew 6:9-13; Daniel 9:3-19; James 4:2c; 1 Thessalonians 1:2 & 3)

* How should we say it?
In sincerity, without any unconfessed sins. We need to confess before we pray . (1 Corinthians 11:28, 31 & 32) Once saved, always saved believers must keep confessing every sin or suffer physical punishment. God does not answer prayers of believers who have wrong motives and sinful hearts. (James 4:3 & 4) We should use our own words rather than chant or use written prayers. (Jeremiah 33:3; John 14:13; Matthew 21:22)

* When should we pray?
(1 Thessalonians 3:10; Ephesians 6:18 & 19; 2 Thessalonians 5:17)

* Who should we pray for?
Others who need help (2 Corinthians 1:11), Rulers, everyone (1 Timothy 2:1-3), Ourselves (Matthew 7:7, 8, 11), When we are ill (James 5:14-16)

* Where should we pray?
In secret or in groups (Matthew 6:5 & 6), not for “show” and not for unbelievers.

* How should we pray?
With confidence (Hebrews 4:16), with persistence (Luke 11:5-7), (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:7)

* Who helps us when we pray?
(Romans 8:26)

* We must be pure.
(John 15:7; 9:31: 1 John 3:21 & 22; 4:14 & 15)

* If we are not God-fearing or believers -
(Isaiah 59:1 & 2)

* Why prayers aren’t answered -
The timing may not be right; God wants many prayers from you. A test of your faith.

* Why some prayers aren’t answered right away for believers.
God chooses the correct time for an answer.

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