Step 6: Prayer and the Christian life
The Prayer Life of the Believer
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Transparent communication is essential for any relationship to grow, especially our relationship with God. Prayer is our method for communicating with God. It is essential that we express our feelings, desires and needs directly to God.
Since God is the refuge of the believer, what should we do with our feelings according to Psalm 62:8? ________________________________________________ This verse is like 1 Peter 5:7 which we studied in the chapter on the Devotional Time. How frequently should we pour out our hearts to God according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17? _____________________________________________ We have seen that the first part of our communication is when God speaks to us through His Word. The second part is when we give God our response to His Word in our prayers, and through sharing our concerns and needs. Prayer is not a ritual or something memorized. It is simply speaking with God from our heart. In the Bible there are certain forms of prayer. The kind of prayer depends on what we want to express. Match these verses with the word that expresses the kind of prayer each one describes. __ 1. Worship (for God’s attributes) __ 2. Thanksgiving (for what God does) __ 3. Confession (for what we are) __ 4. Intercession (for others) __ 5. Prayer for personal needs (Petition)
a. Psalm 38:18 b. Hebrews 13:15 c. James 1:5 d. Ephesians 5:20 e. 1 Samuel 12:23
Prayer is not repeating sacred words, rather is it the expression of our heart. In Isaiah 29:13, what was the problem in Israel when Isaiah preached? ___________________________________________________________________________________
Psalm 62:8, Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us 1 Thes 5:17, pray without ceasing, Psalm 38:18, For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. Heb 13:15, Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Eph 5:20, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Sam 12:23, Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Isa 29:13, Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,