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, be not like the hypocrites: because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, in order that they may appear unto the people. Truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward. But when thou mayest pray, enter into thy closet, and having closed thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will reward thee openly. read more. And praying do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard in their much speaking. Therefore be not like unto them: for your Father knows of what things you have need, before you ask him. Therefore pray ye after this manner: Our Father who art in the heavens, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: let thy will be done, as in heaven, even so upon earth: give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors: lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you may not forgive the people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will not forgive you: and if you do not forgive the people, your Father will not forgive you your trespasses.
Criticise not, that you may not be criticised. For with what criticism you criticise, you will be criticised: and with what measure you measure, it will be measured unto you. read more. But why do you see the mote which is in the eye of your brother, and do not recognize the beam which is in your own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, Permit me, I will cast out the mote from your eye; and behold, there is a beam in your own eye? O hypocrite, first cast out the beam from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to cast out the mote from the eye of your brother. Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest they may trample them under their feet, and having turned round tear you to pieces. Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. What man is there of you, whom, if his son shall ask bread, he will give him a stone? And if he may ask a fish, whether will he give him a serpent? Therefore if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in the heavens give good things to them that ask Him?
And having gone forward a little, He fell on His face, praying, and saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me: moreover not as I will, but as thou wilt.
and all the multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense;
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint;
Therefore watch, praying all the time, that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which are about to come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
And He was separated from them about a stone's cast; and putting down His knees, continued to pray,
Then whether you eat, or whether you drink, or what you do, do all things to the glory of God.
praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit in every place, and watching unto this same thing in all perseverance and prayer for all the saints,
Be solicitous about nothing; but in all prayer and supplication, let your request be made known to God.
But speak you those things which become healthy teaching. That the elderly men be sober, grave, prudent, sound in faith, in divine love, in patience: read more. likewise that the elderly women be reverent in demeanor, not tattlers, not given to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
the sound word, irrefutable, in order that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us.
But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all cheerfully and upbraids none; and it will be given unto 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/godbey'>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 when thou mayest pray, enter into thy closet, and having closed thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will reward thee openly.
Therefore pray ye after this manner: Our Father who art in the heavens, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: let thy will be done, as in heaven, even so upon earth: read more. give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors: lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened.
All things whatsoever you may ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.
And having gone forward a little, He fell on His face, praying, and saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me: moreover not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever you pray for and ask, believe that you just now received them, and they shall be unto you. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any one; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses.
And having gone forward a little, He fell on the ground; and continued to pray, that if possible, the hour may pass from Him.
And the soldiers led Him into the court, which is the judgment hall; and call around Him the whole band.
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The Pharisee standing was praying in these words, God, I thank thee because I am not like the rest of the men, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this publican:
But the publican, standing a great way off, did not wish even to lift up his eyes to the heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me the sinner.
And He was separated from them about a stone's cast; and putting down His knees, continued to pray,
and whatsoever you may ask in my name, I will do it, in order that the rather may be glorified in the Son. If you may ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.
And putting down his knees, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not impute this sin to them. And saying this, he fell asleep.
And Peter having put them all out, and putting down his knees, prayed; and having turned toward the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and seeing Peter sat up.
And Peter having put them all out, and putting down his knees, prayed; and having turned toward the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and seeing Peter sat up.
But at this time king Herod reached forth his hands to persecute some of those from the church. And he slew James the brother of John with a sword. read more. And seeing that it is pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also: and those were the days of the unleavened bread: whom having seized, he also put in prison, having committed him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; wishing to bring him out to the people after the passover. Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church.
Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church. But when Herod was about to lead him forth, and Peter was sleeping that night between two soldiers, and bound with two chains; and the guards were keeping guard before the door.
But when Herod was about to lead him forth, and Peter was sleeping that night between two soldiers, and bound with two chains; and the guards were keeping guard before the door. And, behold, the angel of the Lord stood over him, and a light shone in the house; and having touched the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying; Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And, behold, the angel of the Lord stood over him, and a light shone in the house; and having touched the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying; Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and put on thy sandals. And he thus did. And he says to him, Throw thy cloak about thee, and follow me.
And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and put on thy sandals. And he thus did. And he says to him, Throw thy cloak about thee, and follow me. And having come out, he was following; and did not know that it is true which was done by the angel; but he was thinking that he saw a vision.
And having come out, he was following; and did not know that it is true which was done by the angel; but he was thinking that he saw a vision. And having come through the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and having come out, they came on to the first street; and the angel immediately departed from him.
And having come through the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and having come out, they came on to the first street; and the angel immediately departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know truly, that the Lord sent his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, out of all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know truly, that the Lord sent his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, out of all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And recognizing his whereabouts, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, called Mark; where many were assembled and praying.
And recognizing his whereabouts, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, called Mark; where many were assembled and praying.
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius was lying prostrate with fevers and dysentery: to whom Paul having come in, and prayed, laying hands on him, healed him.
And that I may not be exalted by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given unto me in the flesh, the messenger of Satan that he may buffet me, in order that I may not be exalted. Three times I called on the Lord concerning this, that it may depart from me. read more. And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most delightfully I will glory the more in my infirmities, in order that the power of Christ may abide on me. Therefore I delight in infirmities, in insults, in difficulties, in persecutions, and in tight places, for Christ's sake: for when I am without strength, then I am dynamite.
because through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
and every thing whatsoever you may do, in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
the sound word, irrefutable, in order that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us.
let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, having been sprinkled as to our hearts from an evil conscience,
Is any one sick among you? 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.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, in order that you may be healed: the inward working prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man of like suffering to us, and he prayed with prayer that it might not rain, and it rained not upon the earth during three years and six months; read more. and again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her 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/godbey'>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 unto you, Love your enemies with a divine love, bless those who curse you and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you:
And when you pray, be not like the hypocrites: because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, in order that they may appear unto the people. Truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward.
And when you pray, be not like the hypocrites: because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, in order that they may appear unto the people. Truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward. But when thou mayest pray, enter into thy closet, and having closed thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will reward thee openly.
But when thou mayest pray, enter into thy closet, and having closed thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will reward thee openly.
But when thou mayest pray, enter into thy closet, and having closed thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will reward thee openly. And praying do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard in their much speaking. read more. Therefore be not like unto them: for your Father knows of what things you have need, before you ask him.
Therefore be not like unto them: for your Father knows of what things you have need, before you ask him. Therefore pray ye after this manner: Our Father who art in the heavens, let thy name be hallowed:
Therefore pray ye after this manner: Our Father who art in the heavens, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: let thy will be done, as in heaven, even so upon earth:
let thy kingdom come: let thy will be done, as in heaven, even so upon earth:
let thy kingdom come: let thy will be done, as in heaven, even so upon earth: give us this day our daily bread:
give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors:
and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors: lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened.
Have mercy on us, thou Son of David. And the blind men came to Him, having come into the house: and Jesus says to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They say to Him, Yea, Lord.
therefore pray the Lord of the harvest that he may send forth laborers into His harvest.
He took the seven loaves and the fishes; having given thanks, He broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
All things whatsoever you may ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.
But pray that your flight may not be in the winter, nor on the Sabbath.
And in the morning, exceedingly early, while it was yet night, having arisen up He came out, and went away into a desert place, and was praying there.
Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever you pray for and ask, believe that you just now received them, and they shall be unto you. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any one; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses.
And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any one; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses.
and all the multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense;
And it came to pass while all the people were being baptized, and Jesus having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into the mountain to pray; and was there through the night in the prayer of God.
And it came to pass while He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was changed, and His raiment shining white.
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; 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, that He was in a certain place praying; 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 one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. read more. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint;
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing was praying in these words, God, I thank thee because I am not like the rest of the men, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this publican:
I say unto you, He went down to his house justified rather than the other: because every one exalting himself shall be abased; and the one humbling himself shall be exalted.
saying, Father, if this cup is willing to pass from me; moreover let not my will, but thine be done.
And being in agony He continued to pray the more earnestly. And His sweat was like drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
And when the multitude saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they went into ships, and came into Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
We know that God hears not sinners: but if any one may be a worshiper of God, and do His will, He hears him.
and whatsoever you may ask in my name, I will do it, in order that the rather may be glorified in the Son.
You did not choose me, but I chose you, and placed you in your position, that you may go forth and bear fruit, and your fruit may abide: in order that He may give you whatsoever you may ask in my name.
And in that day you will ask of me nothing. Truly, truly, I say unto you, Whatsoever you may ask the Father, He will give it to you in my name. Until now you have asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, in order that your joy may be full. read more. I have spoken these things unto you in parables; the hour comes, when I shall no longer speak to you in parables, but openly will I proclaim to you concerning the Father. In that clay you shall ask in my name: and I do not say, that I will ask the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved me as a friend, and you have believed that I came out from God.
They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
And praying they said, Thou, O Lord, Heart-searcher of all, show up the one of these two, whom thou hast chosen to receive the place of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas departed to go into his own place.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all of one accord in the same place.
For these are not drunken, as you suppose; for it is the third hour of the day;
and they were persevering in the teaching of the apostles and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And daily of one accord in the temple they were persevering; and breaking bread from house to house, they received their food with gladness and purity of heart,
And Peter and John went up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth.
And Peter and John went up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth.
And having heard, they unanimously lifted up their voice to God, and said, O Lord, thou having created the heaven and the earth and the sea and all things which are in them,
And having heard, they unanimously lifted up their voice to God, and said, O Lord, thou having created the heaven and the earth and the sea and all things which are in them,
And having heard, they unanimously lifted up their voice to God, and said, O Lord, thou having created the heaven and the earth and the sea and all things which are in them, the One speaking through the mouth of David, thy child, our father through the Holy Ghost, Wherefore did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
the One speaking through the mouth of David, thy child, our father through the Holy Ghost, Wherefore did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and his Christ.
The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and his Christ. For in truth they were assembled together in this city, against thy holy Child Jesus, whom thou didst anoint; both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel,
For in truth they were assembled together in this city, against thy holy Child Jesus, whom thou didst anoint; both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, to do so many things as thy hand and thy counsel did foreordain to come to pass.
to do so many things as thy hand and thy counsel did foreordain to come to pass. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word,
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word, while, reaching forth thy hand unto healings, both miracles and wonders are wrought through the name of thy holy child Jesus.
while, reaching forth thy hand unto healings, both miracles and wonders are wrought through the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And many miracles and wonders were wrought by the hands of the apostles among the people. And they were all of one accord in Solomon's porch.
and we will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.
the Antiochian proselyte, whom they placed before the apostles, and having prayed, they placed their hands on them.
And putting down his knees, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not impute this sin to them. And saying this, he fell asleep.
who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
And Peter having put them all out, and putting down his knees, prayed; and having turned toward the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and seeing Peter sat up.
And Peter having put them all out, and putting down his knees, prayed; and having turned toward the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and seeing Peter sat up.
saw openly in a vision about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, Cornelius. And he looking upon him, and being afraid, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayer and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.
and says, Cornelius, thy prayer has been heard, and thine alms have been remembered before God.
Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church.
Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church.
And they ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Now separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then they having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, sent them away.
But at midnight Paul and Silas, praying, continued to sing praises to God: and the prisoners heard them.
But at midnight Paul and Silas, praying, continued to sing praises to God: and the prisoners heard them.
And having said these things, putting down his knees along with them all, he prayed.
And having said these things, putting down his knees along with them all, he prayed.
And having spoken these words, and taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and breaking it, began to eat.
For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how I unceasingly make mention of you always in my prayer; praying, if by any means I shall be prospered in the will of God to come to you.
And likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmity. For we know not what we should pray for as it behooves us: but the Spirit himself makes intercession with unutterable groanings:
And likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmity. For we know not what we should pray for as it behooves us: but the Spirit himself makes intercession with unutterable groanings: but he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession towards God in behalf of the saints.
It is God who justifies: who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died, and rather who is risen, who is on the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding in our behalf.
To Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery having been hidden during the eternal times, but having now indeed been made manifest, through the prophetical scriptures, and having been made known to all the Gentiles, according to the commandment of the eternal God, unto the obedience of faith; read more. to God who alone is wise, through Jesus Christ, to the glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
(for he says, At a set time I heard you, and in the day of salvation I assisted you; behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation);
And that I may not be exalted by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given unto me in the flesh, the messenger of Satan that he may buffet me, in order that I may not be exalted. Three times I called on the Lord concerning this, that it may depart from me. read more. And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most delightfully I will glory the more in my infirmities, in order that the power of Christ may abide on me. Therefore I delight in infirmities, in insults, in difficulties, in persecutions, and in tight places, for Christ's sake: for when I am without strength, then I am dynamite.
in order that we may be no longer infants, tossed by the waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, in the caprice of the people, in their craftiness, pursuant to their method of delusion; but speaking the truth in divine love, let its grow up in him in all things, who is the head, Christ; read more. from whom the whole body, being assimilated and knitted together through every joint of the supply, according to the working in each several part, makes increase of the body in the edification of itself in divine love. Therefore I say this, and witness in the Lord, that you no longer walk about as the Gentiles also walk about in the vanity of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God through the ignorance being in themselves, on account of the blindness of their heart; who being past feeling have given themselves up to debauchery, unto the working of all impurity with greediness. But you did not so learn Christ: if indeed ye have heard him, and been taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus:
praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit in every place, and watching unto this same thing in all perseverance and prayer for all the saints,
I thank my God for every mention of you, always in all my prayer with joy making supplication, read more. for your fellowship in the gospel from the first clay until now; having confidence as to this same thing, that the one having begun a good work in you will perfect it unto the day of Jesus Christ: as it is righteous for me to think in behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, that you are all my fellow-partakers of the grace. For God is my witness, how I long after you in the affections of Jesus Christ. And I pray this, that your divine love may yet more and more abound in perfect knowledge and all understanding; in order that you may distinguish those things which differ; that you may be pure and without offence in the day of Christ; being filled with the fruit of righteousness, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Be solicitous about nothing; but in all prayer and supplication, let your request be made known to God.
Therefore we, from the day on which we heard, do not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled with the perfect knowledge of his will in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding, that you may walk worthily of the Lord in all loyalty, in every good work bearing fruit, and increasing in the perfect knowledge of God. read more. being impowered with all power, according to the might of his glory, in all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has made us worthy unto a participation of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us from the power of darkness, and transplanted us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; in whom we have redemption, the remission of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, being the first begotten of all creation,
Moreover, first of all things, I exhort you, that prayers, supplications, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made in behalf of all men;
Moreover, first of all things, I exhort you, that prayers, supplications, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made in behalf of all men;
That the elderly men be sober, grave, prudent, sound in faith, in divine love, in patience:
the sound word, irrefutable, in order that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us.
Who in the days of his flesh, having with strong crying and tears offered up both prayers and supplications unto him who is able to save him from death, and having been heard on account of his piety,
And the God of peace, the one having raised up from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, make you perfect, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, in every good thing to do his will, doing that which is acceptable in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory unto the age of the ages. Amen.
But let him ask in faith, doubting as to nothing; for he that doubts is like unto a wave of the sea driven by the winds and tossed by the tempest.
you ask, and you receive not, because you ask wickedly, that you may expend it in your pleasures.
Is any one sick among you? 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. Truly the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; if he may have committed sins, they shall be forgiven unto him. read more. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, in order that you may be healed: the inward working prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, in order that you may be healed: the inward working prayer of a righteous man avails much.
and whatsoever we may ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things pleasing before him.
And this is the assurance which we have toward him, that, if we may ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And this is the assurance which we have toward him, that, if we may ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us as to whatsoever we may ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked from him.
And if we know that he hears us as to whatsoever we may ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked from him.
And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he shall offer with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense went up out of the hand of the angel, with the prayers of the saints, before God.
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, be not like the hypocrites: because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, in order that they may appear unto the people. Truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward.
And praying do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard in their much speaking.
And praying do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard in their much speaking. Therefore be not like unto them: for your Father knows of what things you have need, before you ask him.
Therefore be not like unto them: for your Father knows of what things you have need, before you ask him.
For if you may not forgive the people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will not forgive you:
But seek first the kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
And Jesus said to the centurion, Go; and let it be done unto thee as thou hast believed. And his servant was healed at that hour.
But no one puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment; for it takes its fullness from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
Have mercy on us, thou Son of David. And the blind men came to Him, having come into the house: and Jesus says to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They say to Him, Yea, Lord.
And you will be hated by all on account of my name: but he that persevereth unto the end, the same shall be saved.
OMITTED TEXT
and whosoever shall receive such little child in my name, receives me.
Again I say unto you, that if two of you may agree upon the earth concerning everything which you may ask, it shall be done unto you by my Father, who is in the heavens. For where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am in the midst of them.
For where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am in the midst of them. Then Peter, coming to Him, said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? read more. Jesus says to him, I say not unto thee, Until seven time; but Until seventy times seven.
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, worshiping and asking something from Him. And He said to her, What do you wish? She says to Him, Tell me that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right, and one on thy left, in thy kingdom. read more. And Jesus responding said, You know not what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup which I am about to drink? They say to Him, We are able. And He says to them, You shall indeed drink my cup, but to sit on my right, and on my left, this is not mine to give, but it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.
But pray that your flight may not be in the winter, nor on the Sabbath.
And from that time he was seeking opportunity that he might betray Him.
And having gone forward a little, He fell on His face, praying, and saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me: moreover not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And leaving them, having gone away, He prayed again the third time, speaking the same word.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, \i Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
And He still speaking, they come from the house of the chief ruler of the synagogue, saying, Thy daughter is dead: why do you still trouble the Teacher?
and they cast out many demons; and anointed many sick with oil, and healed them.
And He said to her, Permit the children first to be fed: for It is not good to take the children's bread and cast it to little dogs.
and looking up to heaven, he groaned, and says to him, Ephphatha, which is, Be thou opened.
And Jesus said to him, It is this, if you are able (to believe); all things are possible to him that believeth.
And He said unto them, This kind is able to come out by nothing, but by prayer.
And He said unto them, This kind is able to come out by nothing, but by prayer.
Truly I say unto you, That whosoever may say to this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and may not doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says does take place; it shall be unto him.
And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any one; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses.
They are those devouring the houses of widows, and making long prayers through pretext; they shall receive the greater judgment.
And having gone forward a little, He fell on the ground; and continued to pray, that if possible, the hour may pass from Him.
and all the multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense;
and she a widow of about fourscore years, who did not depart from the temple, worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers.
And it came to pass while all the people were being baptized, and Jesus having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into the mountain to pray; and was there through the night in the prayer of God.
And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into the mountain to pray; and was there through the night in the prayer of God.
And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into the mountain to pray; and was there through the night in the prayer of God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him: and having chosen twelve from them, whom He also named apostles;
And He said to her, Be of good cheer, daughter; thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
And taking the five loaves and two fishes, looking up to heaven, He blessed them; and He broke, and gave to the disciples to dispense to the multitude.
And it came to pass while He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was changed, and His raiment shining white.
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; 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 one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. read more. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
Likewise also, when you may do those things which are commanded you, say that, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought to do.
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, fearing not God, and regarding not man. read more. And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth? And He spoke this parable to certain ones having confidence in themselves that they are righteous, and despising the rest. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing was praying in these words, God, I thank thee because I am not like the rest of the men, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this publican:
The Pharisee standing was praying in these words, God, I thank thee because I am not like the rest of the men, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this publican: I fast twice per week; I give tithes of all things so many as I possess. read more. But the publican, standing a great way off, did not wish even to lift up his eyes to the heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me the sinner.
But the publican, standing a great way off, did not wish even to lift up his eyes to the heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me the sinner. I say unto you, He went down to his house justified rather than the other: because every one exalting himself shall be abased; and the one humbling himself shall be exalted.
but I prayed for you, that your faith may not fail you: and thou, when having turned, strengthen thy brethren:
And having gone out, He departed, according to custom, into the Mount of Olives; and His disciples followed Him. He being at the place, He said to them, Pray that you enter not into temptation. read more. And He was separated from them about a stone's cast; and putting down His knees, continued to pray,
And He was separated from them about a stone's cast; and putting down His knees, continued to pray, saying, Father, if this cup is willing to pass from me; moreover let not my will, but thine be done. read more. And an angel from heaven appeared unto Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He continued to pray the more earnestly. And His sweat was like drops of blood falling down upon the ground. And having risen from prayer, having come to His disciples, He found them sleeping on account of weariness, and He said to them, Why do you sleep? Arising pray, that you may not enter into temptation.
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. And dividing His garments, they were casting the lots.
And calling with a loud voice, Jesus said, Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit. And having said this, He expired.
Jesus says to her, Believe me, woman, that the hour cometh, you will worship the Father neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem. You worship, you know not what: we worship that which we know: because salvation is of the Jews. read more. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such worshiping Him.
(other ships came from Tiberias near the place where they ate the bread, the Lord having given thanks).
The man responded and said to them; For in this it is wonderful, that you do not know whence He is, He truly opened my eyes. We know that God hears not sinners: but if any one may be a worshiper of God, and do His will, He hears him. read more. It was never heard of from the beginning that any one opened the eyes of a man who was born blind: if He were not with God, He would not be able to do anything.
Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me.
and whatsoever you may ask in my name, I will do it, in order that the rather may be glorified in the Son.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch is not able to produce fruit of itself, unless it may abide in the vine; so you are not able, unless you may abide in me.
You did not choose me, but I chose you, and placed you in your position, that you may go forth and bear fruit, and your fruit may abide: in order that He may give you whatsoever you may ask in my name.
And in that day you will ask of me nothing. Truly, truly, I say unto you, Whatsoever you may ask the Father, He will give it to you in my name. Until now you have asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, in order that your joy may be full. read more. I have spoken these things unto you in parables; the hour comes, when I shall no longer speak to you in parables, but openly will I proclaim to you concerning the Father.
I pray for these: I pray not for the world; but for those whom thou hast given me, because they are thine:
And when they came in, they went up into the upper room, where Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James, were abiding. They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
And praying they said, Thou, O Lord, Heart-searcher of all, show up the one of these two, whom thou hast chosen
And they gave lots for them, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
For these are not drunken, as you suppose; for it is the third hour of the day;
And Peter and John went up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth.
And Peter and John went up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth.
Peter said, Silver and gold do not belong to me; but I give thee that which I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk about.
And they recognized him, that he was the one sitting for alms at Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with astonishment and delight at that which had happened to him.
And they recognized him, that he was the one sitting for alms at Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with astonishment and delight at that which had happened to him.
And having been released they came to their own people, and proclaimed so many things as the chief priests and elders said to them.
And they praying, the place in which they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
the Antiochian proselyte, whom they placed before the apostles, and having prayed, they placed their hands on them.
and continued to stone Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And putting down his knees, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not impute this sin to them. And saying this, he fell asleep.
And putting down his knees, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not impute this sin to them. And saying this, he fell asleep.
But the apostles in Jerusalem, having heard that Samaria has received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John: who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. read more. For he had not yet fallen on any of them: but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Therefore repent of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perchance the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee;
And the eunuch responding to Philip, said, I pray thee, concerning whom does the prophet speak this? concerning himself, or some other man?
And Ananias responded, Lord I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints in Jerusalem: and he here has authority from the chief priests to bind all those calling on thy name.
and he here has authority from the chief priests to bind all those calling on thy name.
and he here has authority from the chief priests to bind all those calling on thy name. And the Lord said to him, Go: because he is a vessel of election to me, to bear my name both before the Gentiles, and kings, and sons of Israel: read more. for I will show him how many things it behooves him to suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias departed, and came into the house: and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, Jesus, that appeared to you in the way in which thou didst come, hath sent me, that thou mayest look up, and he filled with the Holy Ghost.
And Peter having put them all out, and putting down his knees, prayed; and having turned toward the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and seeing Peter sat up.
And Peter having put them all out, and putting down his knees, prayed; and having turned toward the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and seeing Peter sat up.
And he looking upon him, and being afraid, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayer and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.
And on the following day, they traveling, and drawing nigh the city, Peter went up on the house to pray about the sixth hour.
And on the following day, they traveling, and drawing nigh the city, Peter went up on the house to pray about the sixth hour.
And Cornelius said, From the fourth day until this hour, indeed the ninth, I was praying in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in shining apparel,
And Cornelius said, From the fourth day until this hour, indeed the ninth, I was praying in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in shining apparel,
And Cornelius said, From the fourth day until this hour, indeed the ninth, I was praying in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in shining apparel,
Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church.
Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church.
And recognizing his whereabouts, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, called Mark; where many were assembled and praying.
And recognizing his whereabouts, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, called Mark; where many were assembled and praying.
Then they having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, sent them away.
Then they having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, sent them away.
And electing elders for them in every church, praying with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
And on the Sabbath day we went out from the gate by the river, where we were accustomed that prayer should be, and having sat down, we spoke to the women having assembled.
And it came to pass, we going to the prayer, a certain damsel having a spirit of divination met us, who brought much gain to her masters telling fortunes.
who, having received such a charge, cast them into the interior prison, and fastened their feet into the wood. But at midnight Paul and Silas, praying, continued to sing praises to God: and the prisoners heard them.
But at midnight Paul and Silas, praying, continued to sing praises to God: and the prisoners heard them.
And having traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came into Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to custom to Paul, he came in unto them, and for three Sabbaths he expounded unto them from the scriptures,
And Paul, still remaining some days, having bidden adieu to the brethren, sailed away to Syria, and along with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea; for he had a vow.
and Paul having laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they continued to speak with tongues, and prophesy.
I have shown you all things, that it so behooveth you laboring to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
And it happened unto me, having returned into Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, I was in an ecstasy; and I saw Him speaking to me, Hasten, and depart quickly out of Jerusalem, because they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. read more. And I said, Lord, they know that I was imprisoning and binding those believing on thee throughout the synagogue; and when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of those killing him. And He said to me, Go: because I will send thee far away to the Gentiles.
And having spoken these words, and taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and breaking it, began to eat.
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius was lying prostrate with fevers and dysentery: to whom Paul having come in, and prayed, laying hands on him, healed him.
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius was lying prostrate with fevers and dysentery: to whom Paul having come in, and prayed, laying hands on him, healed him.
concerning his Son, having been born of the seed of David according to the flesh;
praying, if by any means I shall be prospered in the will of God to come to you.
For so many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption, in which we cry; Father, Father. read more. The Spirit Himself witnesses along with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
And likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmity. For we know not what we should pray for as it behooves us: but the Spirit himself makes intercession with unutterable groanings: but he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession towards God in behalf of the saints.
It is God who justifies: who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died, and rather who is risen, who is on the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding in our behalf.
For I would pray, that I myself might be an offering from Christ; in behalf of my brethren, my kindred according to the flesh:
Brethren, indeed the desire of my heart and my prayer to God in their behalf, is for their salvation.
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
But may the God of patience and consolation grant unto you to think the same things among one another with reference to Christ Jesus.
But I exhort you, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you cooperate with me in your prayers to God in my behalf;
But I exhort you, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you cooperate with me in your prayers to God in my behalf;
But I exhort you, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you cooperate with me in your prayers to God in my behalf;
to the church of God being in Corinth, to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, to the called saints, along with all who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, theirs and ours:
For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit is praying, but my mind is not fruitful.
Since if you may bless with the spirit, how will one occupying the place of the unlearned say Amen to your blessing? since he does not know what you are saying.
Then what shall they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead rise not at all, why are they also baptized for them?
Three times I called on the Lord concerning this, that it may depart from me.
But we are praying unto God, that he may do you no evil, not in order that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is good, and we may be as disapproved.
Therefore I also, having heard of the faith among you in the Lord Jesus, and your love which is toward all the saints,
because through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit in every place, and watching unto this same thing in all perseverance and prayer for all the saints,
I thank my God for every mention of you, always in all my prayer with joy making supplication,
And I pray this, that your divine love may yet more and more abound in perfect knowledge and all understanding;
Be solicitous about nothing; but in all prayer and supplication, let your request be made known to God.
We give thanks to God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you, having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and the divine love which you have toward all the saints.
Therefore we, from the day on which we heard, do not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled with the perfect knowledge of his will in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding,
being impowered with all power, according to the might of his glory, in all patience and longsuffering with joy;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
having blotted out the handwriting which was against us in ordinances, which was antagonistical to us: and took it out from the midst, having nailed it to the cross;
Be constant in prayer, watching in the same with thanksgiving; at the same time also praying for us, in order that God may open to us the door of the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which I indeed am bound;
Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you.
Salute the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in their house.
Moreover, first of all things, I exhort you, that prayers, supplications, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made in behalf of all men;
Therefore I wish that men in every place would all pray, holding up holy hands, without wrath and doubting:
but she who is wanton is dead though living.
May the Lord grant unto him to find mercy with the Lord in that day. And so many things as he ministered in Ephesus, you know better.
and manifested in his own seasons his word by preaching, with which I am intrusted, according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
A certain one of them, their own prophet, said, The Cretans are all liars, evil beasts, slow stomachs.
That the elderly men be sober, grave, prudent, sound in faith, in divine love, in patience: likewise that the elderly women be reverent in demeanor, not tattlers, not given to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
the sound word, irrefutable, in order that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us.
I give thanks to my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
And at the same time also prepare for me a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I will be consigned unto you.
For we have not a high priest who is not able to be touched with our infirmities; but one having been tempted as to all things like unto us, apart from sin. Therefore let us draw nigh with confidence to a throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace in every opportune need.
Who in the days of his flesh, having with strong crying and tears offered up both prayers and supplications unto him who is able to save him from death, and having been heard on account of his piety,
wherefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those coming unto God through him, ever living to intercede for them.
Then, brethren, having boldness unto the entering in of the holies through the blood of Jesus, by which he has opened unto us a new and living way, through the veil, that is, of his flesh, read more. and having a great high priest over the house of God; let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, having been sprinkled as to our hearts from an evil conscience,
let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, having been sprinkled as to our hearts from an evil conscience,
But let him ask in faith, doubting as to nothing; for he that doubts is like unto a wave of the sea driven by the winds and tossed by the tempest. For let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord, read more. the double-minded man, the most unstable in all his ways.
you ask, and you receive not, because you ask wickedly, that you may expend it in your pleasures.
Brethren, receive the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of suffering evil and longsuffering.
Who is afflicted among you? let him pray. Who is merry? let him sing psalms. Is any one sick among you? 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 sick among you? 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. Truly the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; if he may have committed sins, they shall be forgiven unto him.
Truly the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; if he may have committed sins, they shall be forgiven unto him.
Truly the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; if he may have committed sins, they shall be forgiven unto him.
Truly the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; if he may have committed sins, they shall be forgiven unto him. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, in order that you may be healed: the inward working prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, in order that you may be healed: the inward working prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, in order that you may be healed: the inward working prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man of like suffering to us, and he prayed with prayer that it might not rain, and it rained not upon the earth during three years and six months; read more. and again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
and whatsoever we may ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things pleasing before him.
But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each a harp, and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each a harp, and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw beneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain on account of the word of God, and the testimony which they had. And they cried with a great voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood from those who dwell upon the earth?
And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he shall offer with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense went up out of the hand of the angel, with the prayers of the saints, before God.
And the smoke of the incense went up out of the hand of the angel, with the prayers of the saints, before God.
Both the Spirit and the bride are saying, Come. And let the one hearing say, Come. And let the one thirsting come; let the one who is willing receive the water of life freely.
The one testifying these things says, Yes, I am coming 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/godbey'>Mr 11:25; 'kneeling,' Da 6:10; Lu 22:41; and 'falling down,' De 9:25; Jos 7:6.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever you pray for and ask, believe that you just now received them, and they shall be unto you. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any one; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses.
And He was separated from them about a stone's cast; and putting down His knees, continued to pray,
and whatsoever you may ask in my name, I will do it, in order that the rather may be glorified in the Son.
You did not choose me, but I chose you, and placed you in your position, that you may go forth and bear fruit, and your fruit may abide: in order that He may give you whatsoever you may ask in my name.
And in that day you will ask of me nothing. Truly, truly, I say unto you, Whatsoever you may ask the Father, He will give it to you in my name.
In that clay you shall ask in my name: and I do not say, that I will ask the Father for you;
And the Lord said to him, Arising, go to the street which is called Straight, and seek a Tarsean, by name Saul, in the house of Judas; for, behold, he is praying,
Be solicitous about nothing; but in all prayer and supplication, let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, that passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all cheerfully and upbraids none; and it will be given unto him. But let him ask in faith, doubting as to nothing; for he that doubts is like unto a wave of the sea driven by the winds and tossed by the tempest. read more. For let not that man think that he will receive anything 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, be not like the hypocrites: because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, in order that they may appear unto the people. Truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward.
He took the seven loaves and the fishes; having given thanks, He broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any one; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses.
and all the multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense;
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
The Pharisee standing was praying in these words, God, I thank thee because I am not like the rest of the men, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this publican:
Jesus spoke these words; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, said, Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son, in order that the Son may glorify thee:
And Peter and John went up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth.
And having spoken these words, and taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and breaking it, began to eat.
And likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmity. For we know not what we should pray for as it behooves us: but the Spirit himself makes intercession with unutterable groanings: but he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession towards God in behalf of the saints.
Therefore we, from the day on which we heard, do not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled with the perfect knowledge of his will in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding, that you may walk worthily of the Lord in all loyalty, in every good work bearing fruit, and increasing in the perfect knowledge of God. read more. being impowered with all power, according to the might of his glory, in all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has made us worthy unto a participation of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us from the power of darkness, and transplanted us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; in whom we have redemption, the remission of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, being the first begotten of all creation,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, read more. hearing about your divine love, and the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and all the saints; in order that the fellowship of your faith may be efficient in the perfect knowledge of every good thing which is in you toward Christ. For I had much joy and consolation over your divine love, because the affections of the saints have been refreshed by you, O brother. Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to command you to that which is appropriate, on account of the divine love, I the more exhort you, being such as Paul the aged, and now also the prisoner of Jesus Christ. I exhort you concerning my son, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus, him at one time unprofitable to you, but now profitable both to you and to me: whom I have sent back to you,
And the God of peace, the one having raised up from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, make you perfect, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, in every good thing to do his will, doing that which is acceptable in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory unto the age of the ages. 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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmity. For we know not what we should pray for as it behooves us: but the Spirit himself makes intercession with unutterable groanings:
but without faith it is impossible to please him: for it behooves the one coming unto God to believe that he is, and he is a rewarder unto them who seek him out.
But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all cheerfully and upbraids none; and it will be given unto him. But let him ask in faith, doubting as to nothing; for he that doubts is like unto a wave of the sea driven by the winds and tossed by the tempest. read more. For let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord,
And this is the assurance which we have toward him, that, if we may ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us as to whatsoever we may ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked from him.