22. Learning to Pray

Please remember to pray before reading!

Yesterday we learned that God speaks to us in many different ways, such as nature, providence, His Word, and through the influence of His Spirit. But God want to hear from us! He wants us to pour out our hearts to Him, in an intimate friendship. He wants to be our closest confidant. He wants to open the channel of communication so that we turn to Him all day long, just like He turned to His Father when He was on earth.

Matthew 7:7 — God wants us to earnestly ask.

Matthew 6:9-13 — The model prayer of Jesus.

Mark 1:35 — Jesus is our example in earnest, persevering prayer.

1 John 5:14,15 — We can have confidence that God hears and answers.

Romans 8:32 — In Christ, God has given us all things.

Ephesians 3:20 — He giving exceeds our request.

Psalm 66:18 — Cherished sin blocks us from sincere prayer.

Hebrews 11:6 — Faith is essential to effective prayer.

Psalm 37:3-9 — We must trust and wait on the Lord.

Mark 11:24 — We must believe what God says.

Matthew 6:12 — We need to forgive others if we want to be forgiven.

Romans 12:12 — God wants us to persevere in prayer.

Colossians 4:2 — We need to pray diligently, not just once, but continually.

Philippians 4:6 — We should make our requests with a thankful heart.

Psalm 147:3 — God comforts and heals our broken hearts.

John 15:16 — We are to pray in Jesus' name.

Ephesians 6:18 — Prayer is part of our armor against the power of darkness.

James 5:15 — God wants us to pray for each other.

Psalm 107:8 — We need to praise God more!

Here are some heart-searching questions:

1. What can I do to change my priorities so that I seek God in prayer with greater frequency and intensity?
2. Do I realize that all my bad choices, and sins are a result of my own neglect of prayer?
3. Do I realize that the only thing that can block God from answering my prayers is my own bad attitude, which includes stubborn rebellion, lack of forgiveness, and doubt?
4. Do I truly believe that God will answer my prayers, in the way He sees best, in His own time, and do I trust the results with Him?
5. Do I desire a constant connection with Jesus, so that His power flows in and my love flows back to Him?
6. Am I willing to spend quality time every day in prayer and Bible study to maintain this connection?
7. Am I willing to make the effort to pray with other Christians on a regular basis, as well as with my family?
8. Have I experienced victory over sin as a result of being connected to Jesus?
9. Has prayer become habitual to me, so that I automatically turn to God in every situation?
10. Am I seeking to balance my life between personal devotional time, public worship, and service for others?
11. Do my prayers include praise to God, and prayer for others, as well as my own personal requests?