What is prayer and why do we do it? How do we pray? How often should we pray? What is prayer and why do we do it? I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God. It changes me. - C.S. Lewis Prayer is communicating with God to bring things before Him and bring ourselves into alignment with Him How do we pray? 1 Now Jesus[a] was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread,[b 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” - Luke 11:1-4 Pray prayers that recognize God’s holy character and his kingship authority Pray to God for his daily presence and provision over our own lives and others Are there people in our lives that we’re withholding forgiveness from? Pray prayers that align our desires with God’s desires 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. - Matthew 6:5-8 *“Christians’ prayers are measured by weight, and not by length. Many of the most prevailing prayers have been as short as they were strong.” - Charles Spurgeon * How to pray: Pray genuine and honest prayers Pray with pure intentions Situations that should move us to pray Times of Hardship Big decisions Moments of weakness 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 We should pray every chance we get