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 thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may appear to men: verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. read more. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens; for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Thus therefore pray ye, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you. read more. And why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother's eye, but observest not the beam in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote from thine eye, and behold a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother's eye. Give not that which is holy to dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turning, rend you. Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. What man is there of you, who if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? And if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him?
And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things which will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast,
Therefore whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
which is the word of God, Praying alway by the Spirit with all prayer and supplication, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God:
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine, That the aged men be vigilant, serious, prudent, sound in faith, love, patience: read more. That the aged women in like manner, be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things:
that he who is on the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
If any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.
Easton
is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Ex 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1Sa 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2Ch 32:20); "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Ps 73:28); "bowing the knees" (Eph 3:14).
Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold intercourse with us, his personal control of all things and of all his creatures and all their actions.
Acceptable prayer must be sincere (Heb 10:22), offered with reverence and godly fear, with a humble sense of our own insignificance as creatures and of our own unworthiness as sinners, with earnest importunity, and with unhesitating submission to the divine will. Prayer must also be offered in the faith that God is, and is the hearer and answerer of prayer, and that he will fulfil his word, "Ask, and ye shall receive" (Mt 7:7-8; 21:22; Mr 11:24; Joh 14:13-14), and in the name of Christ (20/type/wesley'>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 thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Thus therefore pray ye, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. read more. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.
And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Therefore I say to you, What things soever ye ask in prayer, believe that ye shall receive, and ye shall have them. But when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father who is in heaven, may forgive you also your trespasses.
And going forward a little, he fell on the ground, and prayed, that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
And the soldiers led him away into the hall called Pretorium, and call together the whole troop.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed thus, God I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
And the publican standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast,
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified thro' the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And having said this, he fell asleep: And Saul was consenting to his death.
But Peter, having put them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
But Peter, having put them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
About that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to afflict a certain of the church. And he slew James, the brother of John, with the sword. read more. And perceiving it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) Whom having apprehended, he put in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him forth to the people after the passover. So Peter was kept in the prison; but continual prayer was made to God by the church for him.
So Peter was kept in the prison; but continual prayer was made to God by the church for him. And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over him, and light shined in the house: and smiting Peter on the side he waked him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over him, and light shined in the house: and smiting Peter on the side he waked him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals; and he did so. And he saith to him, Throw thy garment about thee, and follow me.
And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals; and he did so. And he saith to him, Throw thy garment about thee, and follow me. And going out, he followed him. And he knew not, that it was real which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.
And going out, he followed him. And he knew not, that it was real which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. When they had passed the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which opened to them of its own accord: and going out, they went on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him.
When they had passed the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which opened to them of its own accord: and going out, they went on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And having considered, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
And having considered, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
Now the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and bloody flux; to whom Paul went in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.
And lest I should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me, lest I should be lifted up. Concerning this, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. read more. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I am well pleased in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Giving thanks always for all things to God even the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father through him.
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine, That the aged men be vigilant,
that he who is on the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Is any among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, having anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Confess your faults one to another, brethren, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed: the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man of like passions with us; and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the land for three years and six months. read more. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and so the land gave 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/wesley'>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, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you:
And when thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may appear to men: verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
And when thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may appear to men: verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens; for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking. read more. Be not therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Be not therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Thus therefore pray ye, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thus therefore pray ye, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith to them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say to him, Yea, Lord.
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
And taking the seven loaves and the fishes, he gave thanks and brake them and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath.
And in the morning, rising a great while before day, he went out and departed into a desert place and prayed there.
Therefore I say to you, What things soever ye ask in prayer, believe that ye shall receive, and ye shall have them. But when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father who is in heaven, may forgive you also your trespasses.
But when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father who is in heaven, may forgive you also your trespasses.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
Now while all the people were baptizing, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized,
And in those days he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in the prayer of God.
And as he prayed, the fashien of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: read more. And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed thus, God I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
and kneeling down, he prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.
And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
after the Lord had given thanks) When they saw, that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also went aboard the vessels, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.
We know that God heareth not sinners; but if a man be a worshiper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified thro' the Son.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you that ye may go and bear fruit, and your fruit may remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
And in that day ye shall not question me about any thing. Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give you. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name: ask (and ye shall receive) that your joy may be full. read more. I have spoken these things to you in parables: but the time is coming, when I will no longer speak to you in parables, but will shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not to you, that I will pray the Father for you. For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed, that I came forth from God.
These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
And they prayed and said, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all, shew which of these two thou hast chosen, To take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, to go to his own place.
And when the day of Pentecost was come, they were all with one accord in one place.
These are not drunken as ye suppose for it is but the third hour of the day.
And they continued stedfast in the teaching of the apostles, and the fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking the bread at home, they ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
And Peter, looking stedfastly upon him, with John, said, Look on us.
And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art the God who madest heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art the God who madest heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art the God who madest heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who saidst by the mouth of thy servant David, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
Who saidst by the mouth of thy servant David, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ.
The kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ. For of a truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed,
For of a truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, To do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel before determined to be done.
To do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel before determined to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings, and give thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings, and give thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, While thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done thro' the name of thy holy child Jesus.
While thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done thro' the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And many signs and wonders were wrought among the people by the hands of the apostles: (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico:
But we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Whom they set before the apostles, and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And having said this, he fell asleep: And Saul was consenting to his death.
Who being come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
But Peter, having put them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
But Peter, having put them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
He saw plainly in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of the Lord coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius. And looking stedfastly on him, and being affrighted, he said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thy alms are come up for a memorial before God.
and behold a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are remembred before God.
So Peter was kept in the prison; but continual prayer was made to God by the church for him.
So Peter was kept in the prison; but continual prayer was made to God by the church for him.
And as they were ministring to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them. Then having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
But at midnight Paul and Silas having prayed, sung an hymn to God: and the prisoners heard them.
But at midnight Paul and Silas having prayed, sung an hymn to God: and the prisoners heard them.
And having said these things, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
And having said these things, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
But when we had finished these days, we departed and went our way; and they all attended us out of the city, with their wives and children: and kneeling down on the sea-shore we prayed.
But when we had finished these days, we departed and went our way; and they all attended us out of the city, with their wives and children: and kneeling down on the sea-shore we prayed.
And having spoken thus, he took bread, and gave thanks to God before them all; and having broken it, he began to eat.
For God, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, is my witness, how incessantly I make mention of you, Always requesting in my prayers to come unto you, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered. But he who searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit: for he maketh intercession for the saints, according to God.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is also at the right-hand of God, who likewise maketh intercession for us.
according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, (according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began, But now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, read more. made known to all nations for the obedience of faith) To the only wise God, to him be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen!
(For he saith, I have heard thee in an acceptable time, and in a day of salvation have I succoured thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
And lest I should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me, lest I should be lifted up. Concerning this, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. read more. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I am well pleased in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
That we may be no longer children, fluctuating to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, by cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ: read more. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted, by that which every joint supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every member, maketh increase of the body, to the edifying of itself in love. This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles, in the vanity of your mind: Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, by the ignorance that is in them, through the hardness of their hearts: Who being past feeling, have given themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; Since ye have heard him, and been taught by him, (as the truth is in Jesus) To put off,
which is the word of God, Praying alway by the Spirit with all prayer and supplication, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
I thank my God upon every mention of you, Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all with joy, read more. For your fellowship in the gospel, from the first day until now: Being persuaded of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you, will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ, As it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, who were all partakers of my grace, both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for you all, with the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more, in all knowledge and in all spiritual sense, That ye may try the things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ, Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Christ Jesus, to the glory and praise of God.
Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God:
For this cause from the day we heard it, we do not cease to pray also for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye may walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; read more. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness: Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the first begotten of every creature.
I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men:
I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men:
serious, prudent, sound in faith, love, patience:
that he who is on the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able to save him from death, and being heard from his fears; Tho' he was a son,
Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight thro' Christ Jesus; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed.
Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may expend it on your pleasures.
Is any among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, having anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. read more. Confess your faults one to another, brethren, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed: the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your faults one to another, brethren, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed: the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we asked of him.
And if we know that he heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we asked of him.
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer, and much incense was given him, that he might place it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense came up before God out of the angels hand with the prayers of the saints.
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 thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may appear to men: verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens; for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens; for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Be not therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
And Jesus said to the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, be it to thee. And his servant was healed in that hour.
No man putteth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: for that which is put in to fill it; taketh from the garment and the rent is made worse.
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith to them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say to him, Yea, Lord.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, shall be saved.
They said, Seven, and a few small fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out, but by prayer and fasting.
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.
Again I say to you, That if two of you shall agree on earth, touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Then came Peter to him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? read more. Till seven times? Jesus saith to him, I say not unto thee, till seven times, but till seventy times seven.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshiping him and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said to her, What wilt thou? She saith to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right-hand, and the other on thy left in thy kingdom. read more. But Jesus answering said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I am about to drink of, or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say to him, We are able. And he saith to them, Ye shall indeed drink of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right-hand and on my left is not mine to give, save to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath.
And they bargained with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And leaving them, he went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama-sabachthani? That is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
While he yet spake, they come from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master farther?
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
But Jesus said to her, Let the children first be satisfied; for it is not right to take the childrens bread and cast it to the dogs.
And looking up to heaven, he groaned and saith to him, Ephphatha, that is, be opened.
Jesus saith to him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
And he said to them, This kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting.
And he said to them, This kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting.
For verily I say to you, Whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed and cast into the sea, and not doubt in his heart, but believe that the things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith.
But when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father who is in heaven, may forgive you also your trespasses.
these shall receive the greater damnation.
And going forward a little, he fell on the ground, and prayed, that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers, night and day.
Now while all the people were baptizing, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized,
And in those days he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in the prayer of God.
And in those days he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in the prayer of God.
And in those days he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in the prayer of God. And when it was day, he called to him his disciples, and chose twelve of them, whom also he named Apostles:
And he said to her, Daughter, take courage: thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Then taking the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
And as he prayed, the fashien of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: read more. And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
I think not. So likewise ye, when ye have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are but unprofitable servants: we have done what was our duty to do.
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a certain city a judge who feared not God nor reverenced man. read more. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Do me justice on mine adversary. And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth? And he spake this parable to certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed thus, God I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed thus, God I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week: I give tythes of all that I possess. read more. And the publican standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
And the publican standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and when thou art returned, strengthen thy brethren.
And going out, he went, according to his custom, to the mount of Olives, and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place he said to them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. read more. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast,
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeling down, he prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done. read more. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down on the ground. And rising up from prayer, he came to his disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow, And said to them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots.
And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And having said thus, he expired.
Jesus saith to her, Woman, Believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship; for salvation is from the Jews. read more. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such worshipers.
(But there came other little vessels from Tiberias, near the place where they had eaten bread,
The man answered and said to them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not whence he is; altho' he hath opened my eyes! We know that God heareth not sinners; but if a man be a worshiper of God, and do his will, him he heareth. read more. Since the world began it was not heard, that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
Then they took away the stone from where the dead lay. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but I spake this, because of the people who stand by, that they may believe thou hast sent me.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified thro' the Son.
Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can ye, unless ye abide in me.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you that ye may go and bear fruit, and your fruit may remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
And in that day ye shall not question me about any thing. Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give you. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name: ask (and ye shall receive) that your joy may be full. read more. I have spoken these things to you in parables: but the time is coming, when I will no longer speak to you in parables, but will shew you plainly of the Father.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them whom thou hast given me; for they are thine.
And when they were come in, they went up into the upper-room, where both Peter and James, and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Jude the brother of James tarried. These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
And they prayed and said, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all, shew which of these two thou hast chosen,
And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
These are not drunken as ye suppose for it is but the third hour of the day.
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
Then said Peter, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
And they knew him, that this was he who had sat for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple, and were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had befallen him.
And they knew him, that this was he who had sat for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple, and were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had befallen him.
And being let go, they went to their own company, and related all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
And while they were praying, the place in which they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake the word of God with boldness.
Whom they set before the apostles, and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
And they stoned Stephen, invoking and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And having said this, he fell asleep: And Saul was consenting to his death.
And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And having said this, he fell asleep: And Saul was consenting to his death.
And the apostles who were at Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John: Who being come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. read more. For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee.
And the eunuch answering Philip, said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?
But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. And here also he hath authority from the chief priests, to bind all that call on thy name.
And here also he hath authority from the chief priests, to bind all that call on thy name.
And here also he hath authority from the chief priests, to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before nations and kings, and the children of Israel. read more. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, that thou mayst recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
But Peter, having put them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
But Peter, having put them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
And looking stedfastly on him, and being affrighted, he said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thy alms are come up for a memorial before God.
On the morrow, as they journeyed and drew nigh to the city, Peter went up on the house-top, to pray, about the sixth hour.
On the morrow, as they journeyed and drew nigh to the city, Peter went up on the house-top, to pray, about the sixth hour.
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting till this hour, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house,
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting till this hour, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house,
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting till this hour, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house,
So Peter was kept in the prison; but continual prayer was made to God by the church for him.
So Peter was kept in the prison; but continual prayer was made to God by the church for him.
And having considered, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
And having considered, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
Then having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Then having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
And when they had ordained them presbyters in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
And we abode in that city certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city, by the river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and sitting down, we spake to the women who were come together.
And as we were going to prayer, a certain damsel, possest by a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by prophesying.
Who having received such a charge, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas having prayed, sung an hymn to God: and the prisoners heard them.
But at midnight Paul and Silas having prayed, sung an hymn to God: and the prisoners heard them.
And taking their journey through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul, according to his custom, went in to them, and three sabbath-days discoursed with them from the scriptures,
And Paul still continued many days; and then taking leave of the brethren, sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, having shaved his head at Cenchrea; for he had a vow.
And Paul laying his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
I have shewed you all things, that thus labouring ye ought to help the infirm, and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, which he himself said, It is happier to give than to receive.
But when we had finished these days, we departed and went our way; and they all attended us out of the city, with their wives and children: and kneeling down on the sea-shore we prayed. And having embraced each other we took ship, and they returned home.
And when I was returned to Jerusalem, and was praying in the temple, I was in a trance, And saw him saying to me, Make haste and depart quickly out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. read more. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned, and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by and consenting to his death, and kept the garments of them that slew him. But he said to me, Depart: for I will send thee far off to the Gentiles.
And having spoken thus, he took bread, and gave thanks to God before them all; and having broken it, he began to eat.
Now the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and bloody flux; to whom Paul went in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.
Now the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and bloody flux; to whom Paul went in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.
Concerning his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord,
Always requesting in my prayers to come unto you, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again unto fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. read more. The same Spirit beareth witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered. But he who searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit: for he maketh intercession for the saints, according to God.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is also at the right-hand of God, who likewise maketh intercession for us.
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ, for my brethren, my kinsmen after the flesh:
Brethren, the desire of my heart, and my prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continue instant in prayer.
Now the God of patience and consolation give you to think the same thing, according to Christ Jesus,
Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me,
Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me,
Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me,
and Sosthenes a brother, To the church of God, which is in Corinth, to them that are sanctified through Christ Jesus, called and holy, with all that in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both theirs and ours:
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my Spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Otherwise if thou givest thanks with the Spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of a private person, say Amen to thy thanksgiving, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
Else what shall they do, who are baptized for the dead? If the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for them?
Concerning this, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Now I pray God, that ye may do no evil: not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is good, though we should be as reprobates.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. read more. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Wherefore I also, since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all saints,
For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
By whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in him.
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which is the word of God, Praying alway by the Spirit with all prayer and supplication, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
I thank my God upon every mention of you, Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all with joy,
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more, in all knowledge and in all spiritual sense,
Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God:
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (praying always for you, Hearing of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of
For this cause from the day we heard it, we do not cease to pray also for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness:
For I would have you know, how great a conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh:
For I would have you know, how great a conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh:
having forgiven you all trespasses, Having blotted out by his decrees the hand-writing against us, which was contrary to us; and having nailed it to his cross, he took it out of the way.
Continue in prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving: Withal, praying likewise for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ: for which I am also in bonds:
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayer, that ye may stand, perfect and filled, with all the will of God.
Salute the brethren at Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house.
I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men:
I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting:
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
The Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord in that day: And in how many things he served me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
And he hath in due time manifested his word, thro' the preaching wherewith I am intrusted, according to the commandment of God our Saviour:
One of themselves, a prophet of their own, hath said, The Cretans are always liars, evil wild-beasts, lazy gluttons.
serious, prudent, sound in faith, love, patience: That the aged women in like manner, be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things:
that he who is on the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, (Hearing of thy faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,
Withal prepare me also a lodging; for I trust I shall be given to you through your prayers.
let us hold fast our profession, For we have not an high-priest who cannot sympathize with our infirmities, but who was in all points tempted like as we are: yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able to save him from death, and being heard from his fears; Tho' he was a son,
Wherefore he is able also, to save them to the uttermost who come to God thro' him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Having therefore, brethren, free liberty to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through the veil, read more. that is, his flesh, And having an high-priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing from the Lord. read more. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may expend it on your pleasures.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering, affliction, and of patience.
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any chearful? let him sing psalms. Is any among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, having anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Is any among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, having anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, brethren, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed: the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your faults one to another, brethren, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed: the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your faults one to another, brethren, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed: the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man of like passions with us; and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the land for three years and six months. read more. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and so the land gave forth her fruit.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
But ye, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying thro' the Holy Spirit.
But ye, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying thro' the Holy Spirit.
And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one an harp, and golden phials full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one an harp, and golden phials full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, thou Holy One and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell upon the earth?
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer, and much incense was given him, that he might place it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense came up before God out of the angels hand with the prayers of the saints.
And the smoke of the incense came up before God out of the angels hand with the prayers of the saints.
And let him that thirsteth, come: let him that willeth, take the water of life freely.
He that testifieth these things saith, Yea, I come quickly. Amen: Come, Lord Jesus!
Morish
This has been described as 'the intercourse of a dependent one with God.' It may take the form of communion in one brought nigh, or it may be the making requests for oneself or for others. There are twelve different words used for prayer in the O.T., and eight in the N.T., with various shades of meaning, as there are in English: 'asking, begging, beseeching,' etc. In the synoptic Gospels the word used in connection with Christ is that most commonly employed for "praying," but in John's gospel the word is that generally rendered, 'ask' or, 'demand.' The change is explained by the different aspect in which the Lord is presented in John.
God hears and encourages prayer. A cry to God is the mark of a soul truly turning to Him: "Behold, he prayeth," was said of Saul of Tarsus. Ac 9:11. To the saints it is said, "Pray without ceasing;" "ask and ye shall receive." "If we ask anything according to his will he heareth us, and . . . . we know that we have the petitions." "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive." "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." The disciples as left here, representative of Christ and charged with His interests, were to ask in His name; and the same is true in principle as regards believers now. Mr 11:24; Joh 14:13; 15:16; 16:23,26; Jas 1:5-7; 1Jo 5:14-15. Christians are exhorted to make known all their petitions, or requests, to God, and having done so, the peace of God shall keep their hearts and minds. Php 4:6-7. This is their wondrous privilege: they have addressed God, and in peace they leave it with Him to grant their petitions or not.
The above passages demonstrate that to receive what is prayed for, requests must be in faith, they must be according to the light of God's will, and hence made in the name of the Lord Jesus. While prayer is always to God, it is suggested that requests would naturally be made to the Father in respect of all that tends to the promotion of Christ in believers, as well as in things referring to their discipline in the pathway here. On the other hand prayer would be made to the Lord in relation to that over which He is set as administrator, such as the service of the gospel, the saints, the house of God, etc.
The attitudes in prayer which are recorded are: 'standing,' 1Sa 1:26; '/Mark/11/25/type/wesley'>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 to you, What things soever ye ask in prayer, believe that ye shall receive, and ye shall have them. But when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father who is in heaven, may forgive you also your trespasses.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast,
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified thro' the Son.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you that ye may go and bear fruit, and your fruit may remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
And in that day ye shall not question me about any thing. Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give you.
At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not to you, that I will pray the Father for you.
And he said, Behold I am here, Lord. And the Lord said to him, Arise, go into the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas, for one named Saul of Tarsus; for behold, he is praying.
Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
If any of you want 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 doubting: for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. read more. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing from the Lord.
Smith
Prayer.
The object of this article will be to touch briefly on --
1. The doctrine of Scripture as to the nature and efficacy of prayer;
2. Its directions as to time, place and manner of prayer;
3. Its types and examples of prayer.
1. Scripture does not give any theoretical explanation of the mystery which attaches to prayer. The difficulty of understanding real efficacy arises chiefly from two sources: from the belief that man lives under general laws, which in all cases must be fulfilled unalterably; and the opposing belief that he is master of his own destiny, and need pray for no external blessing. Now, Scripture, while, by the doctrine of spiritual influence it entirely disposes of the latter difficulty, does not so entirely solve that part of the mystery which depends on the nature of God. It places it clearly before us, and emphasizes most strongly those doctrines on which the difficulty turns. Yet while this is so, on the other hand the instinct of prayer is solemnly sanctioned and enforced on every page. Not only is its subjective effect asserted, but its real objective efficacy, as a means appointed by God for obtaining blessing, is both implied and expressed in the plainest terms. Thus, as usual in the case of such mysteries, the two apparently opposite truths are emphasized, because they are needful: to man's conception of his relation to God; their reconcilement is not, perhaps cannot be, fully revealed. For, in fact, it is involved in that inscrutable mystery which attends on the conception of any free action of man as necessary for the working out of the general laws of God's unchangeable will. At the same time it is clearly implied that such a reconcilement exists, and that all the apparently isolated and independent exertions of man's spirit in prayer are in some way perfectly subordinated to the one supreme will of God, so as to form a part of his scheme of providence. It is also implied that the key to the mystery lies in the fact of man's spiritual unity with God in Christ, and of the consequent gift of the Holy Spirit. So also is it said of the spiritual influence of the Holy Ghost on each individual mind that while "we know not what to pray for, "the indwelling" Spirit makes intercession for the saints, according to the will of God."
Here, as probably in still other cases, the action of the Holy Spirit on the soul is to free agents what the laws of nature are to things inanimate, and is the power which harmonizes free individual action with the universal will of God.
2. There are no directions as to prayer given in the Mosaic law: the duty is rather taken for granted, as an adjunct to sacrifice, than enforced or elaborated. It is hardly conceivable that, even from the beginning public prayer did not follow every public sacrifice. Such a practice is alluded to in
Lu 1:10
as common; and in one instance, at the offering of the first-fruits, it was ordained in a striking form.
De 26:12-15
In later times it certainly grew into a regular service both in the temple and in the synagogue. But, besides this public prayer, it was the custom of all at Jerusalem to go up to the temple, at regular hours if possible, for private prayer, see
Lu 18:10; Ac 3:1
and those who were absent were wont to "open their windows toward Jerusalem," and pray "toward" the place of God's presence.
1Ki 8:46-49; Ps 5:7; 28:2; 138:2; Da 6:10
The regular hours of prayer seem to have been three (see)
the evening, that is the ninth hour
the hour of the evening sacrifice,
the "morning," that is, the third hour
that of the morning sacrifice; and the sixth hour, or "noonday." Grace before meat would seem to have been a common practice. See
The posture of prayer among the Jews seems to have been most often standing,
1Sa 1:26; Mt 6:5; Mr 11:25; Lu 18:11
unless the prayer were offered with especial solemnity and humiliation, which was naturally expressed by kneeling,
comp. 2Chr 6:13; Ezra 9:5; Psal 95:8; Dani 6:10 or prostration.
3. The only form of prayer given for perpetual use in the Old Testament is the one in
De 26:5-15
connected with the offering of tithes and first-fruits, and containing in simple form the important elements of prayer, acknowledgment of God's mercy, self-dedication and prayer for future blessing. To this may perhaps be added the threefold blessing of
couched as it is in a precatory form, and the short prayer of Moses,
at the moving and resting of the cloud the former of which was the germ of the 68th Psalm. But of the prayers recorded in the Old Testament the two most remarkable are those of Solomon at the dedication of the temple,
and of Joshua the high priest, and his colleagues, after the captivity.
It appears from the question of the disciples in
Lu 11:1
and from Jewish tradition, that the chief teachers of the day gave special forms of prayer to their disciples as the badge of their discipleship and the best fruits of their learning. All Christian prayer is, of course, based on the Lord's Prayer; but its spirit is also guided by that of his prayer in Gethsemane and of the prayer recorded by St. John,
Joh 17:1
... the beginning of Christ's great work of intercession. The influence of these prayers is more distinctly traced in the prayers contained in the epistles, see
Ro 16:25-27; Eph 3:14-21; Phm 1:3-11; Col 1:9-15; Heb 13:20-21; 1Pe 5:10-11
etc., than in those recorded in the Acts. The public prayer probably in the first instance took much of its form and style from the prayers of the synagogues. In the record on prayer accepted and granted by God, we observe, as always, a special adaptation to the period of his dispensation to which they belong. In the patriarchal period, they have the simple and childlike tone of domestic application for the ordinary and apparently trivial incidents of domestic life. In the Mosaic period they assume a more solemn tone and a national bearing, chiefly that of direct intercession for the chosen people. More rarely are they for individuals. A special class are those which precede and refer to the exercise of miraculous power. In the New Testament they have a more directly spiritual hearing. It would seem the intention of Holy Scripture to encourage all prayer more especially intercession, in all relations and for all righteous objects.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And when thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may appear to men: verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
And taking the seven loaves and the fishes, he gave thanks and brake them and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
But when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father who is in heaven, may forgive you also your trespasses.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense.
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed thus, God I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes and said, Father, the hour is come: glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh,
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
And having spoken thus, he took bread, and gave thanks to God before them all; and having broken it, he began to eat.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered. But he who searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit: for he maketh intercession for the saints, according to God.
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Of whom the whole read more. family in heaven and earth is named) That he would give you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith: That being rooted and grounded in love, ye may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all the fulness of God. Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, To him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
For this cause from the day we heard it, we do not cease to pray also for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye may walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; read more. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness: Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the first begotten of every creature.
Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, (Hearing of thy faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, read more. and love toward all saints) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual, by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you through Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ, to enjoin thee what is convenient, Yet out of love I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also the prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, Who was formerly unprofitable to thee, but now profitable to thee and me, Whom I have sent again:
Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight thro' Christ Jesus; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Watsons
PRAYER has been well defined, the offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name or through the mediation of Jesus Christ, by the help of the Holy Spirit, with a confession of our sins, and a thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.
1. Prayer is in itself a becoming acknowledgment of the all-sufficiency of God, and of our dependence upon him. It is his appointed means for the obtaining of both temporal and spiritual blessings. He could bless his creatures in another way: but he will be inquired of, to do for them those things of which they stand in need, Eze 36:37. It is the act of an indigent creature, seeking relief from the fountain of mercy. A sense of want excites desire, and desire is the very essence of prayer. "One thing have I desired of the Lord," says David; "that will I seek after." Prayer without desire is like an altar without a sacrifice, or without the fire from heaven to consume it. When all our wants are supplied, prayer will be converted into praise; till then Christians must live by prayer, and dwell at the mercy seat. God alone is able to hear and to supply their every want. The revelation which he has given of his goodness lays a foundation for our asking with confidence the blessings we need, and his ability encourages us to hope for their bestowment. "O thou that hearest prayer; unto thee shall all flesh come," Ps 65:2.
2. Prayer is a spiritual exercise, and can only be performed acceptably by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, Ro 8:26. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight." The Holy Spirit is the great agent in the world of grace, and without his special influence there is no acceptable prayer. Hence he is called the Spirit of grace and of supplication: for he it is that enables us to draw nigh unto God, filling our mouth with arguments, and teaching us to order our cause before him, Zec 12:10.
3. All acceptable prayer must be offered in faith, or a believing frame of mind. "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering
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Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.
But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
If any of you want 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 doubting: for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. read more. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing from the Lord.
And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we asked of him.