An Introduction to Prayer
by Apostle Sandra Santos
The Bible shows us that prayer is a powerful weapon that the Lord has given us, so we must use this weapon with wisdom and understanding.
I Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
“More prayer more power, little prayer little power, no prayer, no power” (Paul Yung Choo).
THE MEANING OF PRAYER
Prayer is:
- Fellowship: A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests. (John. 15:4)
- Communion: An interchange or sharing of thoughts or emotions; intimate communication. (Exodus 33:11)
- Lifestyle: A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person. (Genesis 5:24)
Prayer is part of our basic necessities in life, when we realize this we will find the time to pray every day and for every single thing we go through, whether good or bad. The human being has four basic necessities in order live: breathing, eating, sleeping and praying.
The quality and quantity of each necessity will make the difference between surviving (to remain or continue in existence or use) or thriving (to grow or develop vigorously; flourish) in life.
Prayer = Power
The quality of our prayer will determine our closeness to God, hence our knowledge of His will, and will therefore determine our success while on this earth.
Motivation works on the basis of desire, meaning that if we do not desire to pray, it will be harder for us to have a lifestyle of prayer.
BENEFITS OF A LIFE OF PRAYER
- Prayer produces power (Acts 6:8)
- Prayer brings brokenness (2 Sam. 12:1-13)
- Prayer gives us authority over Satan (Eph. 6:18)
- Prayer brings intimacy with the Holy Spirit (Jo. 16:13-15)
- Prayer sharpens our spiritual sensitivity (Acts 16:6-10)
- Prayer, persistent prayer, will bring answers (Matt. 7:7)
- Prayer brings health (Lu. 4:1,2, 14, 15)
- Prayer brings and fuels revival (Acts 1:14; 2:1,42)
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO PRAY CORRECTLY
One of the reasons that our prayers are not being answered is because we do not know the basic principles of how to pray effectively.
I. Pray in the name of the Father. (Matthew 6:9; John 16:23-24)
Matthew 8:9: “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.”
Jesus teaches us that our prayer is addressed to the Father, in Jesus’ name.
Who is the Father?
The Father is the first Person of the Trinity or the deity.
The Greek word for father is “patter,” which means – founder, protector, provider, source, parent, leader, and farmer.
In Hebrew the word is ‘Abba‘. That means dad (daddy), expressing love and affection of a loving father.
Jesus teaches us that our relationship with God is like a dear dad, who is the provider, sustainer, protector, source, who wants to have an intimate relationship with you in the name of Jesus, whom we have an alliance.
II. Pray specifically (James 4:2-3, Psalm 37:4)
Psalm 37:4: “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
We do not know how to ask, meaning our prayers must be specific and clear before God.
To badly ask means: Do selfish or egocentric petitions.
God promises to satisfy the desires of our heart, but he hopes that our hearts are in line with His.
Do not walk in circles in prayer, be practical and clear, and be specific.
III. Come closer to God in faith (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:6-8, I John 5: 15)
Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
If we ask God for something and expect that he will answer, even though there is no faith in our hearts, we are fooling ourselves, because if there is any doubt in our hearts and in our response, will not receive anything from him.
IV. Seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26; I Corinthians 2:10)
Romans 8:26: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
This verse tells us, in other words that if we give our will to the Holy Spirit, He will help us and guide us, and we will be effective.
The word “help” means that He will help us take the load, and He will be by our side.
The Holy Spirit knows the mind of God and lead us into His perfect will.
V. Pray according to the Word (I John 5:14)
I John 5:14: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
To pray according the will of God is to pray accordingly to His Word and will.
Why pray according to His will? (Matthew 24:35; Jeremiah 1:12)
Because God is committed only to what is written in His Word.
VI. Do not pray like the hypocrites (Matthew 6:5)
Matthew 6:5: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
The word “hypocrite” comes from Greek language and it means someone who wore a mask representing another person to act. When this actor left the scene, he took off his mask and he could be himself, without hypocrisy.
Jesus teaches us not be like the hypocrites when we pray, that is we should not put on a mask and pretend that we are something meanwhile inside us we wear another.
VII. Do not pray to be seen by men (Matthew 6:5)
Do not try to impress in being spiritual before men, remember that it is not men, but God who will reward you.
VIII. Do not pray with vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7)
Matthew 6:7: “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”
The difference between making vain repetitions and persevere in prayer, as Jesus teaches us in Luke, in the parable of the unjust judge, is that vain repetition is to repeat over and over again without really setting our hearts in faith what we are saying.
To persevere in prayer, is to set your heart in faith and not quit until you achieve the goal of your prayer.
HOW TO DEVELOP A CONTINUOUS LIFESTYLE OF PRAYER
a. Attitude (Joel 3:14, Deuteronomy 30:19)
Deuteronomy 30:19: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
First we must have the right attitude in our hearts that is, take a quality decision wholeheartedly, without turning back.
God said that we are the ones that choose, so to change our lives is in our hands.
b. Discipline (I Corinthians 9:25)
1 Corinthians 9:25: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Discipline is depriving us of what is necessary to achieve our goals.
An athlete goes through every kind of discipline to achieve an award. Should we not do even more to reach the heavenly sovereign prize that awaits us?.
c. Perseverance (Hebrews 10:36, Romans 12:12, Matthew 7:7, Luke 18-1-8)
Hebrews 10:36: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
That means insisting, staying, consistent, never give up.
As the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart, and awakens a desire for prayer, obey His voice and pray; begin the journey that will bring you to success and oneness with God!
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
God Bless You!
Esthers Women Ministry 