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 ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Truly do I say to you, They have received their reward. But do thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and, when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will reward thee. read more. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for the multitude of their words. Be not ye therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner 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 have forgiven our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye will be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it will be measured to you. read more. And why dost thou look at the mote that is in thy brothers eye, and not perceive the beam in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me take the mote out of thine eye; when, lo! the beam is in thine own eye? Hypocrite! first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then wilt thou see clearly to take the mote out of thy brothers eye. Give not that which is holy to dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine; lest they trample them under their feet, and turn upon you and rend you. Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and ye will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door will be opened. Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask for bread, will give him a stone? or, if he ask for a fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then, though 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 he came a little nearer, and fell on his face, praying and saying, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me! nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
And the whole multitude of the people was praying without at the time of the incense.
And he spoke a parable to them to show that they ought to pray always, and not be fainthearted:
But watch at all times, and pray that ye may be able to escape all the things that are about to come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
And he withdrew from them about a stones throw; and kneeling down he prayed,
Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
praying with all prayer and entreaty at all times in the Spirit; and watching to this end with all perseverance and entreaty for all the saints,
Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God;
But do thou speak the things which become sound teaching; that aged men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience; read more. that aged women likewise be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is good,
sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is opposed to us may be put to shame, having no evil thing to say of us.
But if any one of you is wanting in wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it will 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/noyes'>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 do thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and, when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will reward thee.
After this manner 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 have forgiven our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and ye will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door will be opened.
And all things whatever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye will receive.
And he came a little nearer, and fell on his face, praying and saying, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me! nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
Therefore I say to you, All things whatever ye pray for and ask, believe that ye have obtained, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
And going on a little farther, he fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it was possible, the hour might pass from him.
And the soldiers led him away into the court, which is the Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
and they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs which followed it.]
and they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs which followed it.]
The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself thus: O God, I thank thee that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
But the publican, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven; but smote his breast, saying, O God, be merciful to me a sinner!
And he withdrew from them about a stones throw; and kneeling down he prayed,
and whatever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in 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 saying this, he fell asleep.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up.
Now about that time, Herod the king laid his hands upon certain of the church, to oppress them. And he slew James, the brother of John, with the sword. read more. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to apprehend Peter also; (then were the days of unleavened bread;) and he seized him and put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after the passover to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept guarded in prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God in his behalf.
Peter therefore was kept guarded in prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God in his behalf. And when Herod was about to bring him forth, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and keepers before the door were guarding the prison.
And when Herod was about to bring him forth, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and keepers before the door were guarding the prison. And lo! an angel of the Lord came to him, and a light shone in the room; and he smote Peter on the side, and roused him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell from his hands.
And lo! an angel of the Lord came to him, and a light shone in the room; and he smote Peter on the side, and roused him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell 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 round 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 round thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.
And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. And when they had passed the first, and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which opened to them of itself; and they went out and passed on through one street, and the angel immediately departed from him.
And when they had passed the first, and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which opened to them of itself; and they went out and passed on through one street, and the angel immediately departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, Now I know certainly, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
And when Peter had come to himself, he said, Now I know certainly, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he understood the matter, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together, and praying.
And when he understood the matter, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together, and praying.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with a fever and dysentery; to whom Paul went in, and, when he had prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him.
And that I might not be too much lifted up by the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me, that I might not be too much lifted up. In respect to this I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me; read more. and he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may abide upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then am I strong.
for through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
For this cause I bend my knees to the Father,
For this cause I bend my knees to the Father,
giving thanks always for all things to God, the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and whatever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father, through him.
But do thou speak the things which become sound teaching;
sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is opposed to us may be put to shame, having no evil thing to say of us.
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience; and having had our bodies washed with pure water,
Is any sick among you? let him call to him the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man of like nature with us, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months; read more. and again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought 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/noyes'>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 to you, Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you;
And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Truly do I say to you, They have received their reward.
And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Truly do I say to you, They have received their reward. But do thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and, when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will reward thee.
But do thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and, when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will reward thee.
But do thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and, when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will reward thee. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for the multitude of their words. read more. Be not ye therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Be not ye therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye:Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
After this manner 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 have forgiven our debtors;
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and ye will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door will be opened.
And when he had come into the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus saith to them, Do ye believe that I am able to do this? They say to him, Yea, Lord.
Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers for his harvest.
he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.
And all things whatever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye will receive.
And pray that your flight be not in winter, nor on a sabbath.
And rising early, long before day, he went out, and withdrew into a desert place, and there prayed.
Therefore I say to you, All things whatever ye pray for and ask, believe that ye have obtained, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
And the whole multitude of the people was praying without at the time of the incense.
And it came to pass, when all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying, that the heaven was opened,
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.
And while he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was changed, and his raiment became white and glistening.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that when he ceased one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that when he ceased one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John 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 hath come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him? read more. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and I and my children are in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say to 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 will be given you; seek, and ye will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door will be opened. And what father is there, among you, who, if his son ask for bread, will give him a stone? or if he ask for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent? or, if he ask for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If ye then, though evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
And he spoke a parable to them to show that they ought to pray always, and not be fainthearted:
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself thus: O God, I thank thee that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, 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 will be humbled; but he that humbleth himself will be exalted.
saying, Father, if thou art willing to remove this cup from meyet 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 to the ground.
when therefore the multitude saw that Jesus was not there nor his disciples, they went on board the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
We know that God heareth not sinners; but if any one is a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
and whatever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever ye ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
And in that day ye will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly do I say to you, Whatever ye shall ask the Father, he will give it you in my name. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye will receive, that your joy may be made full. read more. These things I have spoken to you in parables. The time is coming, when I shall no more speak to you in parables, but shall tell you plainly of the Father. In that day ye will ask in my name; and I do not tell 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 with one accord in prayer, with women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
And they prayed saying, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which of these two thou hast chosen to take the part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell away, that he might go to his own place.
And on the day of Pentecost they were all together in one place.
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; for it is the third hour of the day;
And they were constantly attending on the teaching of the apostles, and the imparting [of their substance], the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
And attending daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread in a private house, they partook of their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
And Peter and John were going up together to the temple, at the hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour.
And Peter and John were going up together to the temple, at the hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour.
And Peter fixing his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look upon us.
And on hearing it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art he that made heaven and earth and sea, and all things that are in them;
And on hearing it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art he that made heaven and earth and sea, and all things that are in them;
And on hearing it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art he that made heaven and earth and sea, and all things that are in them; who by the mouth of thy servant David said, "Why did the heathen rage, and the peoples meditate vain things?
who by the mouth of thy servant David said, "Why did the heathen rage, and the peoples meditate vain things? The kings of the earth came up, and the rulers assembled together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed."
The kings of the earth came up, and the rulers assembled together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed." For in truth against thy holy servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, did both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles, and the peoples of Israel, assemble in this city,
For in truth against thy holy servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, did both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles, and the peoples of Israel, assemble in this city, to do whatever thy hand and thy will before determined to be done.
to do whatever thy hand and thy will before determined to be done. And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and grant to thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and grant to thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word, while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders are wrought through the name of thy holy servant Jesus.
while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders are wrought through the name of thy holy servant 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 Solomons porch.
but we will give ourselves closely to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
And kneeling down he cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And saying this, he fell asleep.
who, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up.
saw in a vision plainly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius! And he, looking steadily at him, and becoming affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.
and said, Cornelius, thy prayer hath been heard, and thine alms have been remembered before God.
Peter therefore was kept guarded in prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God in his behalf.
Peter therefore was kept guarded in prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God in his behalf.
And while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
But at midnight Paul and Silas praying, were singing praises to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
But at midnight Paul and Silas praying, were singing praises to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
And having thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
And having thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
And when we had completed the days, we departed, and went our way, they all accompanying us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city; and having kneeled down on the shore and prayed,
And when we had completed the days, we departed, and went our way, they all accompanying us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city; and having kneeled down on the shore and prayed,
And having thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all, and having broken it, he began to eat.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how constantly I make mention of you, always in my prayers supplicating that, if it be possible, I may at last through the will of God be favored with an opportunity of coming to you.
In like manner the Spirit also helpeth our weakness; for we know not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedeth with groans which cannot be expressed in words.
In like manner the Spirit also helpeth our weakness; for we know not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedeth with groans which cannot be expressed in words. But he that searcheth the hearts knoweth the mind of the Spirit, because it intercedeth for the holy according to the will of God.
Who is he that condemneth? Christ is he that died, yea rather, who rose again, who is also at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Now to him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which for eternal ages was unrevealed, but is now made manifest, and through the writings of the prophets, by the command of the everlasting God, is made known to all the nations to bring them to obedience to the faith, read more. to God, the only wise, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever! Amen.
(for he saith: "In an accepted time I heard thee, and in the day of salvation I helped thee;" Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation;)
And that I might not be too much lifted up by the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me, that I might not be too much lifted up. In respect to this I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me; read more. and he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may abide upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then am I strong.
that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and borne about by every wind of teaching, through the dishonest tricks of men, and their cunning in the wily arts of error; but cleaving to truth in love, may grow up in all things unto him who is the head, even Christ; read more. from whom the whole body, well put together and compacted by means of every supplying joint, is, according to the working of each part in its proportion, building itself up in love. This therefore I say, and charge you in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the rest of the gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God on account of the ignorance that is in them, on account of the hardness of their hearts; who, being past feeling, have given themselves up to wantonness, to work all uncleanness in greediness. But not so did ye learn Christ, if indeed ye heard him, and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus;
praying with all prayer and entreaty at all times in the Spirit; and watching to this end with all perseverance and entreaty for all the saints,
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy read more. on account of your fellowship in the cause of the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began in you a good work, will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus; even as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, all of you being sharers of the grace bestowed on me. For God is my witness how much I long for you all in the tender affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment; so that ye may approve the things that are most excellent, in order that ye may be pure and without offence against the day of Christ, being filled with the fruit of righteousness which is through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God;
On this account we also, from the day we heard of it, cease not to pray for you, and to ask that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye may walk worthily of the Lord so as to please him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; read more. endued with all power according to the might of his glory unto all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who enabled us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light; who rescued us from the empire of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son; in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of the whole creation;
I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;
I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;
that aged men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is opposed to us may be put to shame, having no evil thing to say of us.
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard by reason of his godly reverence,
Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of an everlasting covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, doing in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever. Amen.
But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.
ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Is any sick among you? let him call to him the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; even if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him. read more. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
and whatever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
And this is the confidence which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us;
And this is the confidence which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he heareth us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of him.
and if we know that he heareth us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of him.
And another angel came, and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of the saints before God out of the angels hand.
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 ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Truly do I say to you, They have received their reward.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for the multitude of their words.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for the multitude of their words. Be not ye therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Be not ye 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 first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will also be given you.
And Jesus said to the centurion, Go thy way; as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the servant was made well in that hour.
No one putteth a patch of undressed cloth on an old garment; for the piece that filleth in teareth away from the garment, and a worse rent is made.
And when he had come into the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus saith to them, Do ye believe that I am able to do this? They say to him, Yea, Lord.
and ye will be hated by all on account of my name. But he that endureth to the end will be saved.
(...)
And whoever receiveth one such child in my name, receiveth me.
Again, I say to you, that if two of you shall agree on earth concerning any thing that they shall ask, it will be done for them by my Father o 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, and said to him, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times? read more. Jesus saith to him, I say not to thee, until seven times, but until seventy times seven.
Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, falling down before him, and asking a certain thing of him. And he said to her, What is thy wish? She saith to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left, in thy kingdom. read more. But Jesus answering said, Ye know not what ye ask. Can ye drink the cup which I am to drink? They say to him, We can. He saith to them, Ye will indeed drink my cup; but to sit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give, but it will be given to those for whom it hath been prepared by my Father.
And pray that your flight be not in winter, nor on a sabbath.
And from that time he sought an opportunity to deliver him up.
And he came a little nearer, and fell on his face, praying and saying, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me! nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
And leaving them, he went away again, and prayed the third time, saying again the same words.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
While he was yet speaking, there came from the house I of the ruler of the synagogue some who said, Thy daughter is dead; why dost thou trouble the Teacher any further?
and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many sick persons, and healed them.
And he said to her, Let the children be filled first; for it is not well to take the childrens bread and throw it to the little dogs.
and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith to him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
Jesus said to him, If thou art able? All things are possible for him that believeth.
And he said to them, This kind can go out by nothing, except by prayer.
And he said to them, This kind can go out by nothing, except by prayer.
Truly do I say to you, that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou taken up, and cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith will come to pass, he shall have it.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
who devour widows houses, and for a pretence make long prayers. These will receive a far greater condemnation.
And going on a little farther, he fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it was possible, the hour might pass from him.
And the whole multitude of the people was praying without at the time of the incense.
and she was a widow eightyfour years old, who never left the temple, worshipping with fastings and prayers night and day.
And it came to pass, when all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying, that the heaven was opened,
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called to him his disciples; and he chose from them twelve, whom he also named apostles;
And he said to her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee well; go in peace.
Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and broke and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude.
And while he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was changed, and his raiment became white and glistening.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that when he ceased one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John 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 hath come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him? read more. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and I and my children are in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say to 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 will be given you; seek, and ye will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, the door will be opened. And what father is there, among you, who, if his son ask for bread, will give him a stone? or if he ask for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent? or, if he ask for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If ye then, though evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
So also do ye, when ye have done all that hath been commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were bound to do.
And he spoke a parable to them to show that they ought to pray always, and not be fainthearted: saying, There was in a certain city a judge, who feared not God, nor regarded man. read more. And there was a widow in that city; and she kept coming to him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary! And he would not for some time. But afterward he said within himself, Though I neither fear God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her; lest by coming for ever she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And will not God avenge his chosen, who cry to him day and night, though he be slow to punish in their behalf? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. But yet, when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith on the earth? And to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised all others, he spoke this parable: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself thus: O God, I thank thee that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself thus: O God, I thank thee that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I gain. read more. But the publican, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven; but smote his breast, saying, O God, be merciful to me a sinner!
But the publican, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven; but smote his breast, saying, O 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 will be humbled; but he that humbleth himself will be exalted.
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. And do thou, when thou hast returned to me, strengthen thy brethren.
And going out, he went, as he was wont, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. And when he was at the place, he said to them, Pray that ye may not enter into temptation. read more. And he withdrew from them about a stones throw; and kneeling down he prayed,
And he withdrew from them about a stones throw; and kneeling down he prayed, saying, Father, if thou art willing to remove this cup from meyet 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 to the ground. And rising up from prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow, and said to them, Why sleep ye? Rise, and pray that ye may not enter into temptation.
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them! for they know not what they do. And they divided his garments, casting lots.
And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit! And having said this, he expired.
Jesus saith to her, Believe me, woman, the hour is coming, when ye shall neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship that which ye know not; we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. read more. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for such worshippers the Father seeketh.
(but there came other boats from Tiberias near the place where they ate the bread, when the Lord had given thanks;)
The man answered and said to them, Why, herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not whence he is, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God heareth not sinners; but if any one is a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. read more. Since the world began, it was never heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.
They therefore took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father! I thank thee that thou hast heard me. Yet I knew that thou hearest me always; but for the sake of the multitude standing around I said it, that they might believe that thou didst send me.
and whatever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, if it abide not in the vine, so neither can ye, unless ye abide in me.
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever ye ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
And in that day ye will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly do I say to you, Whatever ye shall ask the Father, he will give it you in my name. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye will receive, that your joy may be made full. read more. These things I have spoken to you in parables. The time is coming, when I shall no more speak to you in parables, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.
I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine;
And when they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were making their abode, namely, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the zealot, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer, with women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
And they prayed saying, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which of these two thou hast chosen
And they cast lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; for it is the third hour of the day;
And Peter and John were going up together to the temple, at the hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour.
And Peter and John were going up together to the temple, at the hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have I give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk.
and they recognized him as the man that sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.
and they recognized him as the man that sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.
And being released they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
and they stoned Stephen, making supplication, 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 saying this, he fell asleep.
And kneeling down he cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And saying this, he fell asleep.
And the apostles at Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John; who, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. read more. For it had not yet fallen upon any of them; but they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if haply the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee.
And the eunuch answering said, I pray thee, of whom doth the prophet say this? Of himself, or of some other man?
But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how great evils he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said to him, Go; for this man is to me a chosen vessel, to bear my name before nations, and kings, and the sons of Israel. read more. For I myself will show him how great things he must suffer for my names sake. And Ananias went away, and entered the house; and putting his hands on him, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayst receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up.
And he, looking steadily at him, and becoming affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.
On the morrow, as they were on their journey, and were drawing near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
On the morrow, as they were on their journey, and were drawing near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
And Cornelius said, Four days ago, I was fasting till this hour; and at the ninth hour was praying in my house; and lo! a man stood before me in bright clothing,
And Cornelius said, Four days ago, I was fasting till this hour; and at the ninth hour was praying in my house; and lo! a man stood before me in bright clothing,
And Cornelius said, Four days ago, I was fasting till this hour; and at the ninth hour was praying in my house; and lo! a man stood before me in bright clothing,
Peter therefore was kept guarded in prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God in his behalf.
Peter therefore was kept guarded in prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God in his behalf.
And when he understood the matter, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together, and praying.
And when he understood the matter, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together, and praying.
Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
And having appointed for them elders in every church, they prayed with fasting, and commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.
And on the sabbathday we went forth out of the gate to a riverside, where was wont to be a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who had assembled.
And it came to pass, as we were going to the place of prayer, that a certain bondmaid having a soothsaying spirit met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.
who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas praying, were singing praises to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
But at midnight Paul and Silas praying, were singing praises to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
And when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was the synagogue of the Jews. And Paul, as his custom was, went in among them, and for three sabbaths discoursed to them out of the Scriptures,
And Paul, having stayed many days longer, took leave of the brethren, and sailed thence to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, after he had shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.
And when Paul bad laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
In all ways I showed you that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
And when we had completed the days, we departed, and went our way, they all accompanying us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city; and having kneeled down on the shore and prayed, we took leave of each other, and went on board the ship; and they returned home.
And it came to pass after my return to Jerusalem, while I was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, and saw him saying to me, Make haste, and go 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, those that believed in thee; and when the blood of Stephen, thy witness, was shed, I myself was standing by and consenting, and keeping the garments of those who slew him. And he said to me, Depart; for I will send thee far hence to the gentiles.
And having thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all, and having broken it, he began to eat.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with a fever and dysentery; to whom Paul went in, and, when he had prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with a fever and dysentery; to whom Paul went in, and, when he had prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him.
the gospel concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David as to the flesh,
supplicating that, if it be possible, I may at last through the will of God be favored with an opportunity of coming to you.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are sons of God. For ye did not receive the spirit of bondage so as to be again in fear; but ye received the spirit of adopted children, whereby we cry, Abba, Father! read more. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God;
In like manner the Spirit also helpeth our weakness; for we know not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedeth with groans which cannot be expressed in words. But he that searcheth the hearts knoweth the mind of the Spirit, because it intercedeth for the holy according to the will of God.
Who is he that condemneth? Christ is he that died, yea rather, who rose again, who is also at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
For I could wish to be myself accursed and cast out from Christ in behalf of my brethren, my kinsmen as to the flesh;
Brethren, the desire of my heart and my prayer to God for them is, that they may be saved.
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.
And may the God of patience and consolation grant that ye may be of the same mind one with another, according to Christ Jesus;
But I beseech you, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love produced by the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in prayers to God for me;
But I beseech you, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love produced by the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in prayers to God for me;
But I beseech you, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love produced by the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in prayers to God for me;
to the church of God which is at Corinth, the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called, holy, with all that in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours;
For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Else, if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, since he understandeth not what thou art saying?
If it be not so, what are they doing, who are baptized for the dead? If the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for them?
In respect to this I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me;
Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not in order that we may appear approved, but that ye may do what is good, though we be as unapproved.
but when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, that we might be adopted as sons. read more. And to show that ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father! So then thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
For this cause I also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and of your love to all the saints,
for through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
in whom we have our boldness and our access in confidence, through faith in him.
For this cause I bend my knees to the Father,
For this cause I bend my knees to the Father,
For this cause I bend my knees to the Father,
praying with all prayer and entreaty at all times in the Spirit; and watching to this end with all perseverance and entreaty for all the saints,
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment;
Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God;
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
On this account we also, from the day we heard of it, cease not to pray for you, and to ask that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
endued with all power according to the might of his glory unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
blotting out the handwriting in ordinances that was against us, which was opposed to us, he hath taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;
Persevere in prayer, being watchful therein with thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for the sake of which I am also in bonds;
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house.
I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;
I desire, then, that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
but she that giveth herself up to pleasure is dead while she liveth.
The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that day: and what services he rendered me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
but in his own seasons manifested his word through the preaching with which I was intrusted by the commandment of God our Saviour:
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said: "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful gluttons."
that aged men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience; that aged women likewise be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is good,
sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is opposed to us may be put to shame, having no evil thing to say of us.
I thank my God at all times, making mention of thee in my prayers,
And at the same time make ready a lodging for me; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
For we have not a highpriest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who hath in all points been tempted as we are, without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard by reason of his godly reverence,
wherefore he is able also to save to the utmost those who come to God through him, since he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness for entrance into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, a new and living way, which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, his flesh, read more. and having a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience; and having had our bodies washed with pure water,
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience; and having had 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 by the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord, read more. a doubleminded man as he is, unstable in all his ways.
ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Take, brethren, the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, for an example of affliction, and of patience.
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any cheerful? let him sing praise. Is any sick among you? let him call to him the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Is any sick among you? let him call to him the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; even if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; even if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; even if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; even if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man of like nature with us, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months; read more. and again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
and whatever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
But do ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
But do ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twentyfour elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twentyfour elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain on account of the word of God, and on account of the testimony which they had borne; and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?
And another angel came, and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of the saints before God out of the angels hand.
And the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of the saints before God out of the angels hand.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him that heareth say, Come! And let him that thirsteth come! Whoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
He who 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/noyes'>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, All things whatever ye pray for and ask, believe that ye have obtained, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
And he withdrew from them about a stones throw; and kneeling down he prayed,
and whatever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever ye ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
And in that day ye will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly do I say to you, Whatever ye shall ask the Father, he will give it you in my name.
In that day ye will ask in my name; and I do not tell you that I will pray the Father for you;
And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus; for lo! he prayeth,
Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
But if any one of you is wanting in wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. read more. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything 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 ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Truly do I say to you, They have received their reward.
he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
And the whole multitude of the people was praying without at the time of the incense.
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that when he ceased one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.
The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself thus: O God, I thank thee that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
When Jesus had thus spoken, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father! the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the Son may glorify thee;
And Peter and John were going up together to the temple, at the hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour.
And having thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all, and having broken it, he began to eat.
In like manner the Spirit also helpeth our weakness; for we know not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedeth with groans which cannot be expressed in words. But he that searcheth the hearts knoweth the mind of the Spirit, because it intercedeth for the holy according to the will of God.
For this cause I bend my knees to the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receiveth its name, read more. that he would grant 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 hearts by faith, ye having been rooted and grounded in love, that ye may be able to comprehend, with all the 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 unto all the fullness of God. Now unto 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 the glory in the church in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
On this account we also, from the day we heard of it, cease not to pray for you, and to ask that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye may walk worthily of the Lord so as to please him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; read more. endued with all power according to the might of his glory unto all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who enabled us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light; who rescued us from the empire of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son; in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of the whole creation;
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God at all times, making mention of thee in my prayers, read more. hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us, for Christ Jesus. For we have great thankfulness and comfort on account of thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I have much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon thee that which is befitting, yet for loves sake I beseech thee rather; being such a one as Paul an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, I beseech thee for my child, whom I begot in my bonds, Onesimus; who in time past was unprofitable to thee, but is now profitable to thee and to me;
Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of an everlasting covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, doing in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for 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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In like manner the Spirit also helpeth our weakness; for we know not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedeth with groans which cannot be expressed in words.
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 those who diligently seek him.
But if any one of you is wanting in wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. read more. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord,
And this is the confidence which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he heareth us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of him.