Prayer

We live in an uncertain world where there is much to fear about the future. However as followers of God we can face this unpredictability with a strength and confidence unknown by others.

We can do this because we have in Heaven a Father who has not only the power, but also the will to help us. He has promised to work all things together for the good of those who love him, so if we truly rest on His promise we can face our destiny with boldness and resolve.

Personal Prayer

Our Heavenly Father wants us to bring our worries and fears to him in prayer. He tells us to come just as we are, asking him to help us in our time of need. We can talk to Him anywhere, at any time, with the certainty that the all knowing God will hear the thoughts of our heart.

Faith

All that God asks of us is that we trust him. If we pray but do not believe then there was no point in praying at all. However, those who rely on God for all their strength will be delivered in ways we could never imagine.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:7-11)

When we pray we should ask God with a heart which knows that the Creator and Ruler of all things can and will help those who love him and ask for his help.

Thanking God

When God answers our prayers let us not forget that it was his power which delivered us, and not our own. Too often, in times of trouble we call to God and then when we regain our strength and health we forget we ever did so. If we pray we must give to God the glory for any answers which He may have for us.

Praying for others

Prayer is for the most part a very personal thing between you and God. However it is also good to pray with and for others. Jesus has promised that he will be there whenever a few people are gathered together.

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:19-20)

If you would like to do this the best way is to go to church where there will be prayer during the meeting, and there will also probably be a special meeting just dedicated to praying.

Conclusion

To end any look at prayer it is always essential to look at how Jesus taught us to pray. His advice is simple and straightforward, but as always it is filled with truth and power.

"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This, then, is how you should pray:

'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. '

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:5-15)