Bless the Lord, O my soul,   
And all that is within me,   
bless His holy name.   
Bless the Lord, O my soul,   
And forget none of His benefits.   
- Psalms 103:1-2   
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Prayer

            Prayer is the act of addressing, thanksgiving, adoration, supplication, or intercession unto God. Prayer is one of the most powerful things that a Christian has. Yet so many times we fail to use it as we ought. Prayer is also a very misunderstood subject. What does the Scriptures teach on prayer?

We should pray for others. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”. We are told to pray for rulers, for kings, and for each other as Christians and brethren. Jesus taught His disciples to pray the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth laborers in the harvest. Matt. 9:38. Jesus said in Matt. 26:41, “to watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation”. Luke 18:13, a man who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner”.

 

            Prayer is commanded. Jesus said, “watch and pray that you enter not into temptation”. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus saying, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”. Paul almost identical words in writing to the church at Philippi, chapter 4:6. God hears the prayers of His children.

 

            But God does not hear a sinner’s prayer. John 9:31, “for we know that God heareth not sinners. But if any man be a worshiper of God and doeth His will, him He heareth”. One of the most misunderstood things regarding prayer is the part is has in man’s service to God. Some think we should pray for faith. Some think we should pray for salvation, others think we should pray for guidance without studying the Scriptures.

 

            We have admonition to study the word of God that we might be approved of God. II Tim. 2:15. There are many things for which it is scriptural to pray for. Some think if they cannot pray for salvation, there is no need to pray. We have mention ways of how and who to pray for that God approves. We are to pray and praise the God of heaven, thank Him, pray others, even our enemies and many more the Scriptures teaches for what of whom we can pray.

The Apostles continued in prayer and admonished Christians then to do the same. Prayer is important item of worship to God.   

 - CL Bruner



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