PRAYER
Prayer is a spiritual exercise which basically is man communicating with God Almighty, it is dialogue between man & God as can be seen in the first record of prayer in Genesis 3 : 8-9a
It can take the form of solemn requests for help or the worship & praise of God.
Throughout the existence of man and cutting across the different religions prayer is one spiritual exercise that everyone engages in.
ORIGIN OF PRAYER.
Prayer originated from God, in the book of Genesis 3:9-19, we are introduced to God’s communication with man although in the previous chapters we saw God talking but there was no record of man responding to God. True prayer is there for between two people God & man.
TYPES OF PRAYER
(1) Intercession – Genesis 28:16-33 Intercessory prayer is praying to God on behalf of another. The word “intercessor” has roots in Greek, and the Greek meaning is “to meet with, come between.” Intercessory prayer is prayer before God on behalf of others. In the above scripture we see Father Abraham interceding on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah so that they are not destroyed.
(2) Supplication -Luke 18:1-8 Supplication is our making our requests known to God. Whether we are making requests known for ourselves or for other people, we are engaging in supplication. As can be seen from the above scripture Jesus expects us to make our request known to God
(3) Thanksgiving – Psalm 100:3-4 To give honor to God. This is the primary purpose of thanksgiving—to acknowledge that God is God and that He has supplied us with all we have. Prayer of thanksgiving is exclusively for the purpose of appreciating God for who he is, for who he is to us ,for all he has done for us and even for the things he will do for us.
(4) Petition – Matthew 26:39 A prayer of petition involves praying to God asking God to fulfill a need. Sometimes that need is for ourselves, and sometimes it’s for others, but it’s a direct request for something we truly desire God to deliver.
(5) Praise.Isaiah 25:1 Prayer of praise is a prayer in which one offers praise to God for His attributes (for who God is). Basically it involves giving glory to God by declaring how great/powerful/good He is. The Old Testament is filled with prayers of praise, especially in the book of Psalms.
But fundamental to them all is simply a conversation, a dialogue between an individual and God.
IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
The importance of prayers cannot be over emphasized because it is basically the means of communication with God available to man but below are a few but not exhaustive importance of prayers.
(1) Prayer strengthens our relationship with God.
(2) We have the benefit of our needs being met.
(3) Prayer provides answers
(4) Prayers fulfill emotional needs
(5) Prayer serves as a means of encouragement.
(6) Prayers strengthen our faith
(7) Prayer points us to God.
(8) Prayer keeps us humble before God
(9) Prayer serves as a means of providing protection.
(10) Prayers uphold.
WHO SHOULD PRAY
Every child of God should pray.
HINDRANCE TO EFFECTIVE PRAYERS. James 1:5-6, Psalm 66:18
(1) Sin.
(2) Un-believe.
(3) Doubt.
(4) Lack of expectations.
In conclusion prayers can move mountains and change situations, not praying amount to denying ones self the benefits of prayers.