CHAPTER TEN

LEARNING HOW TO PRAY

One cannot lead an overcoming life without prayer. Unfortunately, many are struggling with the concept
of prayer. They have not grasped what the Christian prayer is about. This chapter attempts to answer some
of the basic questions baffling the minds of people. Specifically, it deals with what prayer is, why, when,
where, whom to pray to, the hindrances to prayer, conditions and subject of prayer.

What is prayer?
God made us and has redeemed us for fellowship with himself, and that is what prayer is. God speaks to
us in and through the contents of the Bible, which the Holy Spirit opens up and applies to us and enables
us to understand. We then speak to God about himself, and ourselves, and people in His world, shaping
what we say as a response to what He has said. "Prayer is communication with God, our Creator, and is
one of the greatest privileges given to humanity."

Why should we pray?

It offers Christians the opportunity to communicate to God, through Jesus Christ and in the power of the
Spirit. It is something that should not be done sparingly because it is the life breath of every Christian. We
also realize that God has given man authority over the 'god of this world,' Satan and his agents. This
authority can be exercised through no other means than prayer. The following are the reasons why we
pray:

• We pray to enhance our intimate relationship with God

• We pray for spiritual development. When we pray God is growing
US
• We pray to show our dependency on God

Where should we pray?

In the closet: Jesus showed that true prayer was a solemn act that ought to be entered into in the right way.
He told men that before praying, they were to seclude themselves so that they would be free from
interruptions and avoid carrying out both human and Divine communion at the same time (Matt.6:6). This
is ideal for private prayer. However, family prayer could be made in a small group.

In the Temple or chapel: Public prayers could be made before the congregation (Luke 18:10)

Everywhere: Our God is as omnipresent as the air we breathe and could therefore be worshipped
everywhere (1 Tim 2:8)

When should we pray?

The Bible enjoins us to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This does not mean we should spend
all our time on our knees. Nevertheless, it is a way of encouraging us to develop or have a prayerful
attitude at all times.
The Bible recommends:

• Early morning (Mk 1:35) devotion, afternoon (break) and evening before 'bedtime prayer (Ps.
5:3, 55:17)
• Day and night prayer. (Ps. 88:1
• Three times a day prayer (Daniel 6:10b)
• An hour prayer (Mk 14:37)
• Daily prayer (Ps. 86:3)

To whom do we pray?
Scripture enjoins us to offer prayers to the Father in the name of Jesus and by the help of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus in responding to the question posed by the disciples to be taught how to pray asked them to direct
their prayers to God the 'Father.' (Luke 11:1-4). Jesus prescribed the offering of prayer to the Father based
on an intimate relationship with Him (Matt. 6:9).

In addition, it is right to pray through or in the name of the Son who is at the right hand of God
interceding for us (Heb. 7:25 with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in the believer (Rom 8:34).

The Framework of Prayer

Here, consideration will be given to the framework of prayer. The focus will be adoration, confession,
thanksgiving, and supplication.

Adoration: There are two things that you can give to God, something that He seeks and longs for. These
are our devoted praises and worship. Through praise and worship, we recognize who God is and what he
does. It is "giving God the glory."

Confession of sin: Sin must be confessed to the Holy God for us to be forgiven. We are also to forsake our
sins. The book of Proverbs teaches that "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever
confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).

Thanksgiving: It is a must for the children of God to be in the habit of thanking Him for all His goodness,
and His sudden radical turn of events. In times of joy, suffering and tragedy we are to remain thankful to
the Lord. Paul's admonition to the Philippians speaks to this point (Philippians 4:4-6 KJV)

Supplication (Petitions and Intercession): Petitions are prayers for the one praying. When prayer concerns
others, it is called intercession. Scripture never regards prayer for oneself as improper, as can be seen
from the pattern in the Lord's Prayer. Prayer for others is an obvious expression of love for one's
neighbour, which is fundamental to biblical ethics. Thus, Christians are obliged to pray for themselves as
well as others.

Why Most Prayers Are unanswered (Hindrances to Prayer):

• Unbelief (ames 1:6, 7)

• Unforgiving spirit (Mark 11:25)
• Iniquity (Psalm 66:18)
• Asking amiss (James 4:3)
• Despising the law - Word of God (Psalm 119, Proverbs 28:9, John 15:7)
• Satan (Daniel 10:12-17)
• Breakdown in the home (1 Peter 3:7)
• Pretentious prayer (Matthew 6:5-8)

Conditions for prayer to be answered

The Bible says that God has laid out certain conditions for answered prayer. If you meet those conditions
you have every right to expect that what you ask for in prayer will be answered:

• You must have an honest relationship with God (John 15:7)

• You must be willing to share God's blessings with others (Proverbs 21:13)
• You must pray in faith (James 1:6-8)
• You must pray in Jesus' name (John 14:13-14)
• You must obey God's commandments (1 John 3:22)
• You must be wholehearted, fervent, and passionate in prayer (James 5:16)
• You must lead a righteous and holy life (Psalm 34:15, 1 Timothy 2:8, James 5:15-17)
• You must ask according to His Will

Subjects for Prayer

• Daily bread, forgiveness, guidance, victory over temptation and sin (Matthew 6:9-13)
• Pray for the sick (James 5:13-16)
• Pray for all men - kings, all in authority, for our personal lives, and the salvation of sinners (1
Timothy 2:1-4)
• Prayer for personal safety and the safety of others (Daniel 6:18-23)
• Pray for longer life (Isaiah 38:1-5)
• Pray for clothing, shelter and food (Matthew 6:25-34)
• Pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:38-48)
• Pray for those over you in church (1 Timothy 5:17)
• Pray for the perfection of every Christian (Colossians 1:28)

It is clear from the diverse expositions that prayer involves varied ideas and approaches. Most importantly
you are to know when, how, where and to whom we are to pray. As I conclude this chapter, I will
encourage you to start immediately praying without ceasing. Someone has said, "you will never learn to
pray by reading books on the subject." Pray fervently in faith and the Lord will be merciful to you.

Discussion Questions
1. Define prayer.
2. Why do we have to pray when the Lord knows all our problems?
3. List three places where prayer ought to be made.
4. Explain the biblical command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
5. When does the Bible enjoin us to pray?
6. What is the difference between petition and intercessory prayer?
7. How can we thank the Lord for his manifold blessings bestowed on us?
8. Read Proverbs 28:13. What does the Bible say about concealed sins?
9. What are the conditions for an answered prayer?