Reference: Prayer
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Is the offering of the emotions and desires of the soul to God, in the name and through the mediation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the communion of the heart with God through the aid of the Holy Spirit, and is to the Christian the very life of the soul. Without this filial spirit, no one can be a Christian, Job 21:15; Ps 10:4.
In all ages God has delighted in the prayers of his saints. From the promulgation of the law, the Hebrews did not intermit public worship daily in the tabernacle or the temple. It consisted in offering the evening and morning sacrifices, every day, accompanied with prayers by the priests and Levites in that holy edifice. Every day also the priests offered sacrifices, incense, offerings, and first fruits for individuals; they performed ceremonies for the redemption of the firstborn, or for purification from pollution; in a word, the people came thither from all parts to discharge their vows and to perform their devotions, not only on great and solemn days, but also on ordinary days; but nothing of this was performed without prayer, 1Ch 23:30; Ne 11:17; Lu 1:10. Compare also 1Ki 8:22, and the Psalms of David for temple worship.
Pious men were accustomed to pray thrice in the day, at fixed hours, Ps 55:7; Da 6:10. See HOURS. Social, family, and secret prayer were all habitual with Bible saints; as well as brief ejaculations in the midst of their ordinary business, Ne 2:4. No uniform posture in prayer is enjoined in the Bible; standing with the hands outspread, 1Ki 8.22, bowing the head, Ge 24:26, kneeling, Lu 22:41, and prostration on the ground, Mt 26:39, were all practiced. Prayer should be offered with submission to God's will, fervently, perseveringly, and with a confiding reliance on God in Christ; it should be accompanied by humble confession and hearty thanksgiving, and with supplications for all living men, as well as for our friends and those nearest to us. Habitual prayer to God is duty enjoined upon us by sound reason and by right affections; and he who lives without it thereby reveals the atheism of his heart. God requires all men thus to worship him, Eze 36:37; Mt 7:1-11; Php 4:6; 1Ti 2:1-3; Jas 1:5; and for neglecting this duty there can be no sufficient excuse. It is often said that prayer cannot alter the unchangeable purposes of God; but the great scheme of his providence embraces every prayer that shall be offered, as well as the answer it shall receive. It is objected that prayer cannot increase his knowledge of our wants, nor his readiness to supply them; and that in any case he will do what is for the best. But he deems it best to grant many blessings in answer to prayer, which otherwise he would withhold; "He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee." The words of David will be those of every truly praying man: "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him out of all his troubles," Ps 34:6.
False and formed religion makes a merit of its prayers, as though "much speaking" and "vain repetitions" could atone for heartlessness. Hypocrites also are wont to pray chiefly that they may have praise of men. These sins Christ reproves in Mt 6:5-15, and gives to his disciples the form of the Lord's prayer as a beautiful model. In Eph 6:18; 1Th 5:17; 1Ti 2:8, Paul directs that believers should pray in all places and at all times, lifting up pure hands towards heaven, and blessing God for all things, whether in eating, drinking, or what ever they do; and that every thing be done to the glory of God, 1Co 10:31. In a word, our Savior has recommended to us to pray without ceasing, Lu 18:1; 21:36.
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And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Verily, I say to you, They have their reward. But do you, when you pray, go into your closet, and when you have closed the door, pray to your Father who is in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. read more. But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Be not, there fore, like them; for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him. In this manner, therefore, pray you: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. Give us this day the bread for our support. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. For if you forgive men their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their offenses, neither will your Father forgive your offenses.
Judge not, that you may not be judged: for with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you. read more. And why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but perceive not the beam that is in your own eye? Or, how will you say to your brother, Let me pull out the splinter from your eye: and lo; a beam is in your own eye? Hypocrite! first pull the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to pull the splinter out of your brother's eye. Give not that which is holy to dogs, nor throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and tear you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. What man is there of you, of whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? And if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him?
And he went forward a little, and fell on his face in prayer, saying: My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as thou willest.
And all the multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary,
Watch, therefore, and pray at all times, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Whether, therefore, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
praying with all prayer and supplication, at all times, in the Spirit; and to this end being watchful in all perseverance, and supplication for all the saints:
Be anxious about nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God:
But do you speak the things that become sound teaching; that the aged men be vigilant, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience; read more. that the aged women likewise be, in deportment, as it becomes holy women, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of good things,
sound speech that can not be condemned; that he that is opposed may be ashamed, seeing he has no evil thing to say of us.
Now, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
Easton
is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Ex 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1Sa 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2Ch 32:20); "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Ps 73:28); "bowing the knees" (Eph 3:14).
Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold intercourse with us, his personal control of all things and of all his creatures and all their actions.
Acceptable prayer must be sincere (Heb 10:22), offered with reverence and godly fear, with a humble sense of our own insignificance as creatures and of our own unworthiness as sinners, with earnest importunity, and with unhesitating submission to the divine will. Prayer must also be offered in the faith that God is, and is the hearer and answerer of prayer, and that he will fulfil his word, "Ask, and ye shall receive" (Mt 7:7-8; 21:22; Mr 11:24; Joh 14:13-14), and in the name of Christ (20/type/anderson'>Mr 16:20,20; 15:16; Eph 2:18; 5:20; Col 3:17; 1Pe 2:5).
Prayer is of different kinds, secret (Mt 6:6); social, as family prayers, and in social worship; and public, in the service of the sanctuary.
Intercessory prayer is enjoined (Nu 6:23; Job 42:8; Isa 62:6; Ps 122:6; 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14), and there are many instances on record of answers having been given to such prayers, e.g., of Abraham (Ge 17:18,20; 18:23-32; 20:7,17-18), of Moses for Pharaoh (Ex 8:12-13,30-31; 9:33), for the Israelites (Ex 17:11,13; 32:11-14,31-34; Nu 21:7-8; De 9:18-19,25), for Miriam (Nu 12:13), for Aaron (De 9:20), of Samuel (1Sa 7:5-12), of Solomon (1Ki 8; 2Ch 6), Elijah (1Ki 17:20-23), Elisha (2Ki 4:33-36), Isaiah (2Ki 19), Jeremiah (Jer 42:2-10), Peter (Ac 9:40), the church (Ac 12:5-12), Paul (Ac 28:8).
No rules are anywhere in Scripture laid down for the manner of prayer or the attitude to be assumed by the suppliant. There is mention made of kneeling in prayer (1Ki 8:54; 2Ch 6:13; Ps 95:6; Isa 45:23; Lu 22:41; Ac 7:60; 9:40; Eph 3:14, etc.); of bowing and falling prostrate (Ge 24:26,52; Ex 4:31; 12:27; Mt 26:39; Mr 14:35, etc.); of spreading out the hands (1Ki 8:22,38,54; Ps 28:2; 63:4; 88:9; 1Ti 2:8, etc.); and of standing (1Sa 1:26; 1Ki 8:14,55; 2Ch 20:9; Mr 11:25; Lu 18:11,13).
If we except the "Lord's Prayer" (Mt 6:9-13), which is, however, rather a model or pattern of prayer than a set prayer to be offered up, we have no special form of prayer for general use given us in Scripture.
Prayer is frequently enjoined in Scripture (Ex 22:23,27; 1Ki 3:5; 2Ch 7:14; Ps 37:4; Isa 55:6; Joe 2:32; Eze 36:37, etc.), and we have very many testimonies that it has been answered (Ps 3:4; 4:1; 6:8; 18:6; 28:6; 30:2; 34:4; 118:5; Jas 5:16-18, etc.).
Abraham's servant prayed to God, and God directed him to the person who should be wife to his master's son and heir (Ge 24:10-20).
Jacob prayed to God, and God inclined the heart of his irritated brother, so that they met in peace and friendship (Ge 32:24-30; 33:1-4).
Samson prayed to God, and God showed him a well where he quenched his burning thirst, and so lived to judge Israel (Jg 15:18-20).
David prayed, and God defeated the counsel of Ahithophel (2Sa 15:31; 16:20-23; 17:14-23).
Daniel prayed, and God enabled him both to tell Nebuchadnezzar his dream and to give the interpretation of it (Da 2:16-23).
Nehemiah prayed, and God inclined the heart of the king of Persia to grant him leave of absence to visit and rebuild Jerusalem (Ne 1:11; 2:1-6).
Esther and Mordecai prayed, and God defeated the purpose of Haman, and saved the Jews from destruction (Es 4:15-17; 6:7-8).
The believers in Jerusalem prayed, and God opened the prison doors and set Peter at liberty, when Herod had resolved upon his death (Ac 12:1-12).
Paul prayed that the thorn in the flesh might be removed, and his prayer brought a large increase of spiritual strength, while the thorn perhaps remained (2Co 12:7-10).
Prayer is like the dove that Noah sent forth, which blessed him not only when it returned with an olive-leaf in its mouth, but when it never returned at all., Robinson's Job.
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But do you, when you pray, go into your closet, and when you have closed the door, pray to your Father who is in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
In this manner, therefore, pray you: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. read more. Give us this day the bread for our support. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened.
And all things that you ask for in prayer, believing, you shall receive.
And he went forward a little, and fell on his face in prayer, saying: My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as thou willest.
For this reason I say to you: All things that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive them, and they shall be yours. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have any thing against any one, that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your offenses.
And he went forward a little, and fell upon the ground, and prayed, that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him;
And the soldiers led him away within the court, which is the governor's house, and called together the whole band.
And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.
And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying: God, be merciful to me a sinner.
And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed,
and whatever you ask in my name, I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord, let not this sin stand against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was well pleased with his death.
But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
At that time Herod the king undertook to afflict some of the church. And he slew with the sword James the brother of John. read more. And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he apprehended Peter also. Those were the days of unleavened bread. And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four tetrads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the passover. Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church.
Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church. When Herod was about to bring him out, on that night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the doors were guarding the prison.
When Herod was about to bring him out, on that night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the doors were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison. And he gently struck Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying: Arise quickly; and his chains fell from his hands.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison. And he gently struck Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying: Arise quickly; and his chains fell from his hands. And the angel said to him: Gird your self, and bind on your sandals; and he did so. And he said to him: Throw your mantle around you, and follow me.
And the angel said to him: Gird your self, and bind on your sandals; and he did so. And he said to him: Throw your mantle around you, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and he knew not that what was done by the angel was real, but thought that he saw a vision.
And he went out, and followed him; and he knew not that what was done by the angel was real, but thought that he saw a vision. And when they had passed through the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord. And they went out, and passed on through one street; and the angel immediately departed from him.
And when they had passed through the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord. And they went out, and passed on through one street; and the angel immediately departed from him. And when Peter came to himself, he said: Now I know, in truth, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all that was expected by the Jewish people.
And when Peter came to himself, he said: Now I know, in truth, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all that was expected by the Jewish people. And being aware of his condition, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark, where many had met together, and were praying.
And being aware of his condition, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark, where many had met together, and were praying.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul went in to him, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and restored him to health.
And, lest I should be too much exalted by the excellence of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I might not be too much exalted. With regard to this, I three times entreated the Lord that it might leave me; read more. and he said to me: My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may abide upon me. For this reason, I take pleasure in infirmities, in outrages, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
for, through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
giving thanks to our God and Father always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
sound speech that can not be condemned; that he that is opposed may be ashamed, seeing he has no evil thing to say of us.
let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having; our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water;
Is any one among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be restored to health: the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with passions like our own; and he earnestly prayed that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. read more. And he prayed again; and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.
Fausets
(1) Techinnah, from chandra "to be gracious"; hithpael, "to entreat grace"; Greek deesis.
(2) Tephillah, from hithpael of paalal, "to seek judgment"; Greek proseuchee. "Prayer," proseuchee, for obtaining blessings, implying devotion; "supplication," deesis, for averting evil. "Prayer" the general term; "supplication" with imploring earnestness (implying the suppliant's sense of need); enteuxis, intercession for others, coming near to God, seeking an audience in person, generally in another's behalf. Thanksgiving should always go with prayer (1Ti 2:1; Eph 6:18; Php 4:6). An instinct of every nation, even pagan (Isa 16:12; 44:17; 45:20; 1Ki 18:26). In Seth's days, when Enos (frailty) was born to him, "men began to call upon the name of Jehovah."
The name Enos embodies the Sethites' sense of human frailty urging them to prayer, in contrast to the Cainites' self sufficient "pride of countenance" which keeps sinners from seeking God (Ps 10:4). While the Cainites by building a city and inventing arts were founding the kingdom of this world, the Sethites by united calling upon Jehovah constituted the first church, and laid the foundation of the kingdom of God. The name of God is His whole self manifestation in relation to man. On this revealed divine character of grace and power believers fasten their prayers (Ps 119:49; Pr 18:10). The sceptic's objections to prayer are:
(1) The immutability of nature's general laws. But nature is only another name for the will of God; that will provides for answers to prayer in harmony with the general scheme of His government of the world. There are higher laws than those observed in the material world; the latter are subordinate to the former.
(2) God's predestinating power, wisdom and love make prayer useless and needless. But man is made a free moral agent; and God who predestines the blessing predestines prayer as the means to that end (Mt 24:20).
Prayer produces and strengthens in the mind conscious dependence on God, faith, and love, the state for receiving and appreciating God's blessing ordained in answer to prayer. Moreover prayer does not supersede work; praying and working are complementary of each other (Ne 4:9). Our weakness drives us to cast ourselves on God's fatherly love, providence, and power. Our "Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him"; "we know not what things we should pray for as we ought" (Mt 6:8; Ro 8:26). Yet "the Spirit helpeth our infirmities," and Jesus teaches us by the Lord's prayer how to pray (Luke 11). Nor is the blessing merely subjective; but we may pray for particular blessings, temporal and spiritual, in submission to God's will, for ourselves. "Thy will be done," (Mt 6:10) and "if we ask anything according to His will" (1Jo 5:14-15), is the limitation. Every truly believing prayer contains this limitation. God then grants either the petition or something better than it, so that no true prayer is lost (2Co 12:7-10; Lu 22:42; Heb 5:7).
Also "intercessions" for others (the effect of which cannot be merely subjective) are enjoined (1Ti 2:1). God promises blessings in answer to prayer, as the indispensable condition of the gift (Mt 7:7-8). Examples confirm the command to pray. None prayed so often as Jesus; early in the morning "a great while before day" (Mr 1:35), "all the night" (Lu 6:12), in Gethsemane with an "agony" that drew from Him "sweat as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground" (Lu 22:44); "when He was being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened" (Lu 3:21); "as He prayed" He was transfigured (Lu 9:29); "as He was praying in a certain place" (Lu 11:1) one disciple struck by His prayer said, "Lord teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples" (Lu 11:1) (an interesting fact here only recorded). Above all, the intercession in John 17, His beginning of advocacy with the Father for us; an example of the highest and holiest spiritual communion.
The Holy Spirit in believers "maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit," and so casts off all that is imperfect and mistaken in our prayers, and answer s the Spirit who speaks in them what we would express aright but cannot (Ro 8:26-27,34). Then our Intercessor at God's right hand presents out prayers, accepted on the ground of His merits and blood (Joh 14:13; 15:16; 16:23-27). Thus God incarnate in the God-man Christ reconciles God's universal laws, i.e. His will, with our individual freedom, and His predestination with our prayers. Prayer is presupposed as the adjunct of sacrifice, from the beginning (Ge 4:4). Jacob's wrestling with the divine Angel and prayer, in Genesis 32, is the first full description of prayer; compare the inspired continent on it, Ho 12:3-6. But Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18), and Isaac's, preceded (Ge 24:63 margin).
Moses' law prescribes sacrifice, and takes for granted prayer (except the express direction for prayer, De 26:12-15) in connection with it and the sanctuary, as both help us to realize God's presence; but especially as prayer needs a propitiation or atonement to rest on, such as the blood of the sacrifices symbolizes. The temple is "the house of prayer" (Isa 56:7). He that hears player (Ps 65:2) three manifested Himself. Toward it the prayer of the nation, and of individuals, however distant, was directed (1Ki 8:30,35,38,46-49; Da 6:10; Ps 5:7; 28:2; 138:2). Men used to go to the temple at regular hours for private prayer (Lu 18:10; Ac 3:1). Prayer apparently accompanied all offerings, as did the incense its symbol (Ps 141:2; Re 8:3-4; Lu 1:10; De 26:12-15, where a form of prayer is prescribed).
The housetop and mountain were chosen places for prayer, raised above the world. The threefold Aaronic blessing (Nu 6:24-26), and Moses' prayer at the moving (expanded in Psalm 68) and resting of the ark (Nu 10:35-36), are other forms of prayer in the Mosaic legislation. The regular times of prayer were the third (morning sacrifice), sixth, and ninth hours (evening sacrifice); Ps 55:17; Da 6:10; 9:21; Ac 3:1; 10:3; 2:15. "Seven times a day" (Ps 119:164), i.e. continually, seven being the number for perfection; compare Ps 119:147-148, by night. Grace was said before meals (Mt 15:36; Ac 27:35).
Posture. Standing: 1Sa 1:26; Mt 6:5; Mr 11:25; Lu 18:11. Kneeling, in humiliation: 1Ki 8:54; 2Ch 6:13; Ezr 9:5; Ps 95:6; Da 6:10. Prostration: Jos 7:6; 1Ki 18:42; Ne 8:6. In the Christian church, kneeling only: (Ac 7:60) Stephen, (Ac 9:40) Peter, (Ac 20:36; 21:5) Paul imitating Christ in Gethsemane. In post apostolic times, standing on the Lord's day, and from Easter to Whitsunday, to commemorate His resurrection and ours with Him. The hands were lifted up, or spread out (Ex 9:33; Ps 28:2; 134:2).
The spiritual songs in the Pentateuch (Ex 15:1-19; Nu 21:17-18; Deuteronomy 32) and succeeding books (Judges 5; 2/1/type/anderson'>1Sa 2:1-10,2 Samuel 22; 1Ki 8:23-53; Ne 9:5-38) abound in prayer accompanied with praise. The Psalms give inspired forms of prayer for public and private use. Hezekiah prayed in the spirit of the Psalms. The prophets contain many such prayers (Isaiah 12; 25; 26; Isa 37:14-20; 38:9-20; Da 9:3-23). The praise and the reading and expounding of the law constituted the service of the synagogue under the sheliach hatsibbur, "the apostle" or "legate of the church."
THE LORD'S PRAYER, (Mt 6:9-13) couched in the plural, "when ye pray, say, Our Father ... give us ... forgive us ... lead us" shows that forms suit public joint prayer. "Thou when thou prayest, enter into thy closet ... shut thy door, pray to thy Father [which is] in secret" (Mt 6:6); in enjoining private prayer Christ gives no form. The Lord's prayer is our model. The invocation is the plea on which the prayer is grounded, God's revealed Fatherhood. Foremost stand the three petitions for hallowing God's name, God's kingdom coming, God's will being done below as above; then our four needs, for bread for body and soul, for forgiveness producing a forgiving spirit in ourselves, or not being led into temptation, and for deliverance from evil. The petitions are seven the sacred number (Mt 6:5-13).
Prayer was the breath of th
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But I say to you, Love your enemies: bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who insult you and persecute you:
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Verily, I say to you, They have their reward.
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Verily, I say to you, They have their reward. But do you, when you pray, go into your closet, and when you have closed the door, pray to your Father who is in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
But do you, when you pray, go into your closet, and when you have closed the door, pray to your Father who is in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
But do you, when you pray, go into your closet, and when you have closed the door, pray to your Father who is in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their many words. read more. Be not, there fore, like them; for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
Be not, there fore, like them; for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him. In this manner, therefore, pray you: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
In this manner, therefore, pray you: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. Give us this day the bread for our support.
Give us this day the bread for our support. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened.
And when he had entered the house, the blind men came to him. And Jesus said to them: Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to him, Yes, Lord.
Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave thorn to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the multitude.
And all things that you ask for in prayer, believing, you shall receive.
Pray that your flight may not be in the winter, nor on the Sabbath:
And very early in the morning, while it was yet dark, he arose and went out, and departed to a desert place, and there prayed.
For this reason I say to you: All things that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive them, and they shall be yours. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have any thing against any one, that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your offenses.
And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have any thing against any one, that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your offenses.
And all the multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
And it came to pass, while all the people were being immersed, that Jesus also was immersed; and as he was praying, the heaven was opened,
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God.
And as he prayed, the appearance of his face was changed, and his raiment became white and glittering.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? read more. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary,
Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I say to you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For every one that exalts himself, shall be humbled; but he that humbles himself, shall be exalted.
saying: Father, if thou art willing that this cup should pass from me yet, not my will, but thine be done.
And he was in agony, and prayed more earnestly. And his sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground.
when, therefore, the multitude saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they also entered the ships, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
We know that God hears not sinners; but if any one be a worshiper of God, and do his will, him he hears.
and whatever you ask in my name, I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you, that you may go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit may remain; that whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he may give you.
And in that day you shall ask nothing of me; verily, verily I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give you. Till this time you have asked for nothing in my name; ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. read more. These things I have spoken to you in parables; the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in parables, but will teach you plainly concerning the Father. In that day you shall ask in my name; and I say not to you, that I will ask the Father in your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
All these, with one mind, continued in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
and praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all, make known which of these two thou hast chosen, that he may be appointed to this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one consent in one place.
For these men are not drunk, as you suppose: for it is the third hour of the day.
And they attended constantly to the teaching of the apostles, and the fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
And with one consent, they continued daily in the temple; and, breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Now Peter and John were going up. together into the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour.
Now Peter and John were going up. together into the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour.
And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice with one consent to God, and said: Lord, thou art God, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all things that are in them; who, by the mouth of David thy servant, didst say,
And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice with one consent to God, and said: Lord, thou art God, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all things that are in them; who, by the mouth of David thy servant, didst say,
And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice with one consent to God, and said: Lord, thou art God, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all things that are in them; who, by the mouth of David thy servant, didst say, Why did the heathen rage, and the people devise vain things?
Why did the heathen rage, and the people devise vain things? The kings of the land stood up, and the rulers met together against the Lord and against his anointed.
The kings of the land stood up, and the rulers met together against the Lord and against his anointed. For, in truth, against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, did meet together,
For, in truth, against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, did meet together, to do whatever thy hand and thy counsel determined to be done.
to do whatever thy hand and thy counsel determined to be done. And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and grant to thy servants that they may speak thy word with all boldness,
And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and grant to thy servants that they may speak thy word with all boldness, by stretching out thy hand to heal, that both signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy child Jesus.
by stretching out thy hand to heal, that both signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles; (and they were all with one con sent in Solomon's porch.
but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord, let not this sin stand against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was well pleased with his death.
who, when they had gone down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
He distinctly saw, in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius. And having looked steadily on him, he was afraid, and said: "What is it, Lord? He said to him: Your prayers and your charitable deeds have come up for a memorial before God.
and said: Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your deeds of charity are remembered before God.
Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church.
Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church.
And while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to the work to which I have called them. Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung a hymn to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung a hymn to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.
And when these days were completed, we went forth, and continued our journey, they all, with their wives and children, conducting us out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
And when these days were completed, we went forth, and continued our journey, they all, with their wives and children, conducting us out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
And when he had said this, he took bread, and gave thanks to God before them all, and broke, and began to eat.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that, without ceasing, I make mention of you, always in my prayers making request, that, if possible, I may at length have a prosperous journey, by the will of God to come to you.
In like manner, also, the Spirit helps our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us, with groanings unutterable.
In like manner, also, the Spirit helps our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us, with groanings unutterable. And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, that he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died: rather, indeed, that has risen, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel, even the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was concealed during the times of the ages, but is now made manifest, and through the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, made known among all nations for the obedience of faith, read more. to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory throughout the ages. Amen.
(for he says: I have heard thee in an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I have helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation:)
And, lest I should be too much exalted by the excellence of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I might not be too much exalted. With regard to this, I three times entreated the Lord that it might leave me; read more. and he said to me: My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may abide upon me. For this reason, I take pleasure in infirmities, in outrages, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
that we might no longer be children, tossed and carried about by every wind of teaching, through the artifice of men, through craftiness used by them for the deliberate planning of deceit; but speaking truthfully in love, we might grow up in all things, into him who is the head, even the Christ, read more. from whom the whole body, compactly fitted together, and united by every helping joint, according to the energy in the measure of each part, makes increase of the body, for the building up of itself in love. This I say, therefore, and appeal to you solemnly in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the other Gentiles walk, in the error of their minds, darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves up to licentiousness, that they may work all manner of uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned the Christ, if, indeed, you have heard of him, and been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
praying with all prayer and supplication, at all times, in the Spirit; and to this end being watchful in all perseverance, and supplication for all the saints:
I thank my God on every remembrance of you always in every supplication of mine for you all, making my supplication with joy read more. for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day till now: being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you, will carry it on till the day of Jesus Christ; as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; both in my bonds and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, I say I have you all in my heart as being joint par takers of my grace. For God is my witness how ardently I love you with the affection of Christ Jesus. I also pray for this, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all understanding, in order that you may distinguish things that differ, to the end that you may be pure and blameless till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which fruit is by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Be anxious about nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God:
For this reason, we also, from the day in which we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to request that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, in order to please him in all things, by means of every good work bringing forth fruit, and increasing in the knowledge, of God, read more. strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, in order to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness, giving thanks to the Father, who has made us fit for a portion of the inheritance of the saints in light: who has delivered us from the authority of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature;
I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
that the aged men be vigilant, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
sound speech that can not be condemned; that he that is opposed may be ashamed, seeing he has no evil thing to say of us.
In the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard with respect to that which he feared,
Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant, perfect you in every good work, in order that you may do his will, working in you that which is acceptable in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory from age to age. Amen.
But let him ask in faith, doubting not: for he that doubts, is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind, and tossed.
You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your passions.
Is any one among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick; and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. read more. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be restored to health: the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be restored to health: the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments, and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
And another angel came, and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God out of the hand of the angel.
Hastings
Prayer in the Bible is the uplifting of the heart to God with whatever motive. It includes supplication, whether in view of material or of spiritual needs; intercession, for individuals or communities; confession of sin
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Verily, I say to you, They have their reward.
But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Be not, there fore, like them; for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
Be not, there fore, like them; for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
For if you forgive men their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you in addition.
And Jesus said to the centurion: Go, and as you have believed, so be it to you. And his servant was restored to health in that hour.
No one puts a patch of new cloth on an old garment; for that which is put in to fill it up, takes from the garment, and a worse rent is made.
And when he had entered the house, the blind men came to him. And Jesus said to them: Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to him, Yes, Lord.
And you will be hated by all men on my account: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.
But this kind does not go out but by prayer and fasting.
And whoever receives one such little child on my account, receives me;
Again, I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about any thing for which they will ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where there are two or three that have come together for my sake, there I am in the midst of them.
For where there are two or three that have come together for my sake, there I am in the midst of them. Then Peter came to him, and said: Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? read more. Jesus said to him: I say to you, Not till seven times, but till seventy times seven.
Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons, bowing down, and asking something of him. He said to her: What do you wish? She said to him: Command that these two sons of mine may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom. read more. But Jesus answered and said: You know not what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and to be immersed with the immersion with which I am immersed? They said to him: We are able. And he said to them: You shall drink my cup, and be immersed with the immersion with which I am immersed: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it has been prepared by my Father.
Pray that your flight may not be in the winter, nor on the Sabbath:
And from that time he sought an opportunity to deliver him up.
And he went forward a little, and fell on his face in prayer, saying: My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as thou willest.
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
But about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamah sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
While he was yet speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue, who said: Your daughter is dead; why give the Teacher further trouble?
and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and cured them.
But Jesus said to her: Let the children be satisfied first; for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.
and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him: Ephphatha, which means, Be opened.
Jesus said to him: If you are able to believe, all things are possible to him that believes.
And he said to them: This kind can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
And he said to them: This kind can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
For, verily I say to you, that whoever will say to this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea, and will not doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says will come to pass, he shall have whatever he says.
And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have any thing against any one, that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your offenses.
who eat up the houses of widows, and, as a pretext, make long prayers: these shall receive more abundant condemnation.
And he went forward a little, and fell upon the ground, and prayed, that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him;
And all the multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
and she was a widow of about eighty-four years, and she departed not from the temple, but served, day and night, with fastings and prayers.
And it came to pass, while all the people were being immersed, that Jesus also was immersed; and as he was praying, the heaven was opened,
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called to him his disciples; and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles:
And he said to her: Take courage, daughter; your faith has saved you; go in peace.
And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and broke, and gave them to the disciples, to set before the multitude.
And as he prayed, the appearance of his face was changed, and his raiment became white and glittering.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? read more. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
So also you, when you shall have done all things that you arc commanded to do, say, We are unprofitable servants; for we have done what was our duty to do.
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary, saying: There was in a certain city a judge, who neither feared God nor regarded man. read more. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, and said: Avenge me on my opponent at law. And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth? And he spoke this parable to some, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and who despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. read more. And the publican, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying: God, be merciful to me a sinner.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying: God, be merciful to me a sinner. I say to you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For every one that exalts himself, shall be humbled; but he that humbles himself, shall be exalted.
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith fail not. And when you have turned to me again, strengthen your brethren.
And after he had gone out, he went, according to custom, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them: Pray, that you enter not into temptation. read more. And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed,
And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying: Father, if thou art willing that this cup should pass from me yet, not my will, but thine be done. read more. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, to strengthen him. And he was in agony, and prayed more earnestly. And his sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground. And he arose from prayer, and came to his disciples, and found them asleep for sorrow. And he said to them: Why do you sleep? Arise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And dividing his clothing into parts, they cast lots.
And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And when he had said this, he gave up his spirit.
Jesus said to her: Woman, believe me, the hour is coming, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father. You worship you know not what; we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. read more. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeks such to worship him.
(but there came other boats from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten bread, after the Lord had given thanks;)
The man answered and said to them: Why, there is some thing wonderful in this, that you know not whence he is, and yet he has opened my eyes. We know that God hears not sinners; but if any one be a worshiper of God, and do his will, him he hears. read more. Since the beginning it has not been heard that any one opened the eyes of one who had been born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
Then they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted -up his eyes and said: Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. I know, in deed, that thou dost always hear me. But for the sake of the multitude who stand around me, I have said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
and whatever you ask in my name, I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Abide in me, and I will abide in you. As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me.
You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you, that you may go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit may remain; that whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he may give you.
And in that day you shall ask nothing of me; verily, verily I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give you. Till this time you have asked for nothing in my name; ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. read more. These things I have spoken to you in parables; the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in parables, but will teach you plainly concerning the Father.
I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them whom thou hast given me; for they are thine.
And when they had come in, they went up into an upper room, in which dwelt Peter and James, and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphasus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. All these, with one mind, continued in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
and praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all, make known which of these two thou hast chosen,
And they gave in their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias: and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
For these men are not drunk, as you suppose: for it is the third hour of the day.
Now Peter and John were going up. together into the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour.
Now Peter and John were going up. together into the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour.
But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none: but what I have, this I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, arise and walk.
and they recognized him, that it was he that had sat for charity at the Beautiful gate of the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
and they recognized him, that it was he that had sat for charity at the Beautiful gate of the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
And having been released, they went to their own, and told all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God with boldness.
whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
And they stoned Stephen while he was calling on the Lord, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord, let not this sin stand against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was well pleased with his death.
And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord, let not this sin stand against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was well pleased with his death.
Now when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John; who, when they had gone down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. read more. For he had not yet fallen on any of them; only they had been immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Repent, there fore, of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the purpose of your heart may be forgiven you.
And the eunuch answered Philip, and said: I pray you, of whom speaks the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?
But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.
and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.
and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name. But the Lord said to him: Go; for he is a vessel chosen by me to bear my name before nations and kings, and the sons of Israel. read more. For I will show him what great things he must suffer for my name. And Ananias went, and entered the house, and laying his hands on him, said: Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
And having looked steadily on him, he was afraid, and said: "What is it, Lord? He said to him: Your prayers and your charitable deeds have come up for a memorial before God.
And on the morrow, as they were going on their journey, and were drawing near to the city, Peter went up on the house top to pray, about the sixth hour.
And on the morrow, as they were going on their journey, and were drawing near to the city, Peter went up on the house top to pray, about the sixth hour.
And Cornelius replied: Four days ago, I was fasting till this hour; and, at the ninth hour, I was praying in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
And Cornelius replied: Four days ago, I was fasting till this hour; and, at the ninth hour, I was praying in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
And Cornelius replied: Four days ago, I was fasting till this hour; and, at the ninth hour, I was praying in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church.
Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church.
And being aware of his condition, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark, where many had met together, and were praying.
And being aware of his condition, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark, where many had met together, and were praying.
Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
and on the sabbath-day we went out of the city to the side of a river, where, as usual, was the house of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.
And it came to pass, that as we were going to the house of prayer, there met us a certain maid-servant that had a spirit of Python, who brought much gain to her masters, by giving responses.
And having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung a hymn to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung a hymn to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
And when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul, according to his custom, went in to them, and, for three sabbath-days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
And Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren, and sailed to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, having shorn his head in Cenchrea; for he had a vow.
And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive.
And when these days were completed, we went forth, and continued our journey, they all, with their wives and children, conducting us out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had bid each other farewell, we embarked, and they returned home.
And it came to pass, after I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance, and saw him saying to me, Make haste, and depart quickly from Jerusalem, for they will not receive your testimony concerning me. read more. And I said, Lord, they themselves know that I threw into prison, and scourged, in every synagogue, those who believed on thee; and that when the blood of Stephen, thy witness, was shed, I also stood by and approved, and kept the clothing of those who slew him. And he said to me, Depart, for I will send you far off to the Gentiles.
And when he had said this, he took bread, and gave thanks to God before them all, and broke, and began to eat.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul went in to him, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and restored him to health.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul went in to him, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and restored him to health.
concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the posterity of David according to the flesh,
always in my prayers making request, that, if possible, I may at length have a prosperous journey, by the will of God to come to you.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not again received the spirit of bondage, that you may fear; but you have received the spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father. read more. The Spirit itself testifies with our spirit, that we are the children of God;
In like manner, also, the Spirit helps our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us, with groanings unutterable. And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, that he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died: rather, indeed, that has risen, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
for I could wish my self to be accursed from Christ, for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh;
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved.
in hope, be joyful; in affliction, be patient; in prayer, be per severing;
Now, may the God of patience and comfort make you of the same mind one toward another, according to Christ Jesus;
Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me, in your prayers to God for me,
Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me, in your prayers to God for me,
Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me, in your prayers to God for me,
to the church of God which is in Corinth, to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, the spirit which I have prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit that is given to you, how will he that occupies the place of the unlearned man say Amen, when you give thanks, since he understands not what you say?
For else, what shall those do, who are immersed for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why, then, are they immersed for the dead?
With regard to this, I three times entreated the Lord that it might leave me;
Yet I pray to God that you may do no evil; not that we may appear as having proof, but that you may do what is good, though we be as without proof.
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that he might buy off those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption. read more. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So, then, you are no longer a servant, but a son; and if a son, an heir also of God, through Christ.
For this reason I also, since I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and your love to all the saints,
for, through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
in whom we have boldness and access with confidence, through our faith in him.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying with all prayer and supplication, at all times, in the Spirit; and to this end being watchful in all perseverance, and supplication for all the saints:
I thank my God on every remembrance of you always in every supplication of mine for you all, making my supplication with joy
I also pray for this, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all understanding,
Be anxious about nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God:
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faithfulness in Christ Jesus, and your love for all the saints,
For this reason, we also, from the day in which we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to request that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, in order to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness,
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
having blotted out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us, which was opposed to us, he also took it out of the way, driving a nail through it by means of his cross;
Persevere in prayer, and be watchful in the same with thanksgiving; praying at the same time also for us, that God may open for us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of the Christ, for which I am in bonds,
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you; he always strives earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house.
I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
I will, therefore, that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and disputation.
But she that lives voluptuously, is dead while she lives.
The Lord grant to him, that he may find mercy from the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered to me in Ephesus, you know very well.
but he has in his own times manifested his word by preaching, which was committed to me ac cording to the commandment of God our Savior;
One of themselves, a prophet of their own, has said: The Cretans are always liars, evil wild beasts, lazy gluttons.
that the aged men be vigilant, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience; that the aged women likewise be, in deportment, as it becomes holy women, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of good things,
sound speech that can not be condemned; that he that is opposed may be ashamed, seeing he has no evil thing to say of us.
I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
At the same time, also, prepare me a lodging: for I hope that through the prayers of you all, I may be given to you.
For we have not a high priest that can not sympathize with our infirmities; but he was tempted in all things like ourselves, yet without sin. Let us come, therefore, with boldness, to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need.
In the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard with respect to that which he feared,
Wherefore, he is able also to save through all time those who come to God by him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Having therefore, brethren, confidence to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he has dedicated for us, through the vail, that is, his flesh; read more. and having a great high, priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having; our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water;
let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having; our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water;
But let him ask in faith, doubting not: for he that doubts, is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind, and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing from the Lord. read more. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your passions.
Take, my brethren, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering evil, and of patience.
Is any one among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any one cheerful? let him sing praise. Is any one among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord.
Is any one among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick; and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick; and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick; and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick; and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be restored to health: the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be restored to health: the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be restored to health: the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with passions like our own; and he earnestly prayed that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. read more. And he prayed again; and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.
and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments, and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each of them, harps, and golden cups full of incense, which is the prayers of the saints.
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each of them, harps, and golden cups full of incense, which is the prayers of the saints.
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they had borne: and they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, Sovereign, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
And another angel came, and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God out of the hand of the angel.
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God out of the hand of the angel.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come; and let him that hears, say, Come; and let him that is thirsty, come; -and let him that is willing, take the water of life freely.
He that testifies these things, says: Surely, I. come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.
Morish
This has been described as 'the intercourse of a dependent one with God.' It may take the form of communion in one brought nigh, or it may be the making requests for oneself or for others. There are twelve different words used for prayer in the O.T., and eight in the N.T., with various shades of meaning, as there are in English: 'asking, begging, beseeching,' etc. In the synoptic Gospels the word used in connection with Christ is that most commonly employed for "praying," but in John's gospel the word is that generally rendered, 'ask' or, 'demand.' The change is explained by the different aspect in which the Lord is presented in John.
God hears and encourages prayer. A cry to God is the mark of a soul truly turning to Him: "Behold, he prayeth," was said of Saul of Tarsus. Ac 9:11. To the saints it is said, "Pray without ceasing;" "ask and ye shall receive." "If we ask anything according to his will he heareth us, and . . . . we know that we have the petitions." "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive." "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." The disciples as left here, representative of Christ and charged with His interests, were to ask in His name; and the same is true in principle as regards believers now. Mr 11:24; Joh 14:13; 15:16; 16:23,26; Jas 1:5-7; 1Jo 5:14-15. Christians are exhorted to make known all their petitions, or requests, to God, and having done so, the peace of God shall keep their hearts and minds. Php 4:6-7. This is their wondrous privilege: they have addressed God, and in peace they leave it with Him to grant their petitions or not.
The above passages demonstrate that to receive what is prayed for, requests must be in faith, they must be according to the light of God's will, and hence made in the name of the Lord Jesus. While prayer is always to God, it is suggested that requests would naturally be made to the Father in respect of all that tends to the promotion of Christ in believers, as well as in things referring to their discipline in the pathway here. On the other hand prayer would be made to the Lord in relation to that over which He is set as administrator, such as the service of the gospel, the saints, the house of God, etc.
The attitudes in prayer which are recorded are: 'standing,' 1Sa 1:26; '/Mark/11/25/type/anderson'>Mr 11:25; 'kneeling,' Da 6:10; Lu 22:41; and 'falling down,' De 9:25; Jos 7:6.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
For this reason I say to you: All things that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive them, and they shall be yours. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have any thing against any one, that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your offenses.
And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed,
and whatever you ask in my name, I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you, that you may go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit may remain; that whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he may give you.
And in that day you shall ask nothing of me; verily, verily I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give you.
In that day you shall ask in my name; and I say not to you, that I will ask the Father in your behalf;
And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the street that is called Straight, and in quire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for behold, he is praying;
Be anxious about nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Now, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, doubting not: for he that doubts, is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind, and tossed. read more. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing from the Lord.
Smith
Prayer.
The object of this article will be to touch briefly on --
1. The doctrine of Scripture as to the nature and efficacy of prayer;
2. Its directions as to time, place and manner of prayer;
3. Its types and examples of prayer.
1. Scripture does not give any theoretical explanation of the mystery which attaches to prayer. The difficulty of understanding real efficacy arises chiefly from two sources: from the belief that man lives under general laws, which in all cases must be fulfilled unalterably; and the opposing belief that he is master of his own destiny, and need pray for no external blessing. Now, Scripture, while, by the doctrine of spiritual influence it entirely disposes of the latter difficulty, does not so entirely solve that part of the mystery which depends on the nature of God. It places it clearly before us, and emphasizes most strongly those doctrines on which the difficulty turns. Yet while this is so, on the other hand the instinct of prayer is solemnly sanctioned and enforced on every page. Not only is its subjective effect asserted, but its real objective efficacy, as a means appointed by God for obtaining blessing, is both implied and expressed in the plainest terms. Thus, as usual in the case of such mysteries, the two apparently opposite truths are emphasized, because they are needful: to man's conception of his relation to God; their reconcilement is not, perhaps cannot be, fully revealed. For, in fact, it is involved in that inscrutable mystery which attends on the conception of any free action of man as necessary for the working out of the general laws of God's unchangeable will. At the same time it is clearly implied that such a reconcilement exists, and that all the apparently isolated and independent exertions of man's spirit in prayer are in some way perfectly subordinated to the one supreme will of God, so as to form a part of his scheme of providence. It is also implied that the key to the mystery lies in the fact of man's spiritual unity with God in Christ, and of the consequent gift of the Holy Spirit. So also is it said of the spiritual influence of the Holy Ghost on each individual mind that while "we know not what to pray for, "the indwelling" Spirit makes intercession for the saints, according to the will of God."
Here, as probably in still other cases, the action of the Holy Spirit on the soul is to free agents what the laws of nature are to things inanimate, and is the power which harmonizes free individual action with the universal will of God.
2. There are no directions as to prayer given in the Mosaic law: the duty is rather taken for granted, as an adjunct to sacrifice, than enforced or elaborated. It is hardly conceivable that, even from the beginning public prayer did not follow every public sacrifice. Such a practice is alluded to in
Lu 1:10
as common; and in one instance, at the offering of the first-fruits, it was ordained in a striking form.
De 26:12-15
In later times it certainly grew into a regular service both in the temple and in the synagogue. But, besides this public prayer, it was the custom of all at Jerusalem to go up to the temple, at regular hours if possible, for private prayer, see
Lu 18:10; Ac 3:1
and those who were absent were wont to "open their windows toward Jerusalem," and pray "toward" the place of God's presence.
1Ki 8:46-49; Ps 5:7; 28:2; 138:2; Da 6:10
The regular hours of prayer seem to have been three (see)
the evening, that is the ninth hour
the hour of the evening sacrifice,
the "morning," that is, the third hour
that of the morning sacrifice; and the sixth hour, or "noonday." Grace before meat would seem to have been a common practice. See
The posture of prayer among the Jews seems to have been most often standing,
1Sa 1:26; Mt 6:5; Mr 11:25; Lu 18:11
unless the prayer were offered with especial solemnity and humiliation, which was naturally expressed by kneeling,
comp. 2Chr 6:13; Ezra 9:5; Psal 95:8; Dani 6:10 or prostration.
3. The only form of prayer given for perpetual use in the Old Testament is the one in
De 26:5-15
connected with the offering of tithes and first-fruits, and containing in simple form the important elements of prayer, acknowledgment of God's mercy, self-dedication and prayer for future blessing. To this may perhaps be added the threefold blessing of
couched as it is in a precatory form, and the short prayer of Moses,
at the moving and resting of the cloud the former of which was the germ of the 68th Psalm. But of the prayers recorded in the Old Testament the two most remarkable are those of Solomon at the dedication of the temple,
and of Joshua the high priest, and his colleagues, after the captivity.
It appears from the question of the disciples in
Lu 11:1
and from Jewish tradition, that the chief teachers of the day gave special forms of prayer to their disciples as the badge of their discipleship and the best fruits of their learning. All Christian prayer is, of course, based on the Lord's Prayer; but its spirit is also guided by that of his prayer in Gethsemane and of the prayer recorded by St. John,
Joh 17:1
... the beginning of Christ's great work of intercession. The influence of these prayers is more distinctly traced in the prayers contained in the epistles, see
Ro 16:25-27; Eph 3:14-21; Phm 1:3-11; Col 1:9-15; Heb 13:20-21; 1Pe 5:10-11
etc., than in those recorded in the Acts. The public prayer probably in the first instance took much of its form and style from the prayers of the synagogues. In the record on prayer accepted and granted by God, we observe, as always, a special adaptation to the period of his dispensation to which they belong. In the patriarchal period, they have the simple and childlike tone of domestic application for the ordinary and apparently trivial incidents of domestic life. In the Mosaic period they assume a more solemn tone and a national bearing, chiefly that of direct intercession for the chosen people. More rarely are they for individuals. A special class are those which precede and refer to the exercise of miraculous power. In the New Testament they have a more directly spiritual hearing. It would seem the intention of Holy Scripture to encourage all prayer more especially intercession, in all relations and for all righteous objects.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Verily, I say to you, They have their reward.
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave thorn to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the multitude.
And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have any thing against any one, that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your offenses.
And all the multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Jesus spoke these words, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come: glorify thy Son, that thy Son may also glorify thee;
Now Peter and John were going up. together into the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour.
And when he had said this, he took bread, and gave thanks to God before them all, and broke, and began to eat.
In like manner, also, the Spirit helps our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us, with groanings unutterable. And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, that he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named, read more. that he may grant to you, according to the riches of his glory, to be mightily strengthened by his Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through the faith; that, being rooted and founded in love, you may be fully able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and hight, and to know the love of the Christ that passes our knowledge, that you may be filled with aft the fullness of God. Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to his power which works in us, to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, through out all the generations of the age of ages. Amen.
For this reason, we also, from the day in which we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to request that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, in order to please him in all things, by means of every good work bringing forth fruit, and increasing in the knowledge, of God, read more. strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, in order to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness, giving thanks to the Father, who has made us fit for a portion of the inheritance of the saints in light: who has delivered us from the authority of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature;
grace be to you all, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, read more. hearing of your love and your faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints, that your participation in the faith may be active in the acknowledgment of every good thing that is in us, to the honor of Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Wherefore, though I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do that which is becoming, yet, on account of my love, I rather exhort you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner on account of Jesus Christ. I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, who, for some time, has been unprofitable to you, but now is very profitable to you and to me:
Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant, perfect you in every good work, in order that you may do his will, working in you that which is acceptable in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory from age to age. Amen.
Watsons
PRAYER has been well defined, the offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name or through the mediation of Jesus Christ, by the help of the Holy Spirit, with a confession of our sins, and a thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.
1. Prayer is in itself a becoming acknowledgment of the all-sufficiency of God, and of our dependence upon him. It is his appointed means for the obtaining of both temporal and spiritual blessings. He could bless his creatures in another way: but he will be inquired of, to do for them those things of which they stand in need, Eze 36:37. It is the act of an indigent creature, seeking relief from the fountain of mercy. A sense of want excites desire, and desire is the very essence of prayer. "One thing have I desired of the Lord," says David; "that will I seek after." Prayer without desire is like an altar without a sacrifice, or without the fire from heaven to consume it. When all our wants are supplied, prayer will be converted into praise; till then Christians must live by prayer, and dwell at the mercy seat. God alone is able to hear and to supply their every want. The revelation which he has given of his goodness lays a foundation for our asking with confidence the blessings we need, and his ability encourages us to hope for their bestowment. "O thou that hearest prayer; unto thee shall all flesh come," Ps 65:2.
2. Prayer is a spiritual exercise, and can only be performed acceptably by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, Ro 8:26. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight." The Holy Spirit is the great agent in the world of grace, and without his special influence there is no acceptable prayer. Hence he is called the Spirit of grace and of supplication: for he it is that enables us to draw nigh unto God, filling our mouth with arguments, and teaching us to order our cause before him, Zec 12:10.
3. All acceptable prayer must be offered in faith, or a believing frame of mind. "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering
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In like manner, also, the Spirit helps our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us, with groanings unutterable.
But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
Now, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, doubting not: for he that doubts, is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind, and tossed. read more. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing from the Lord.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.