1 Samuel 1:15-16, Psalm 88:1-3, Psalm 130:1-4,

Matthew 7:7-11, Phil. 4:6-7, Hebrews 5:7-10

Purpose: Prayer is a dual-edged sword as it cuts two different ways. From the position of mankind prayer allows mankind to give our inner most thoughts to God. From God’s side prayer opens a dialogue whereby He can reveal His desires to us.

Structure: Yes, you can give a structured prayer (as in how you form your thoughts). However, what God only desires are prayers that are a conversation from the heart. Therefore, spontaneous thoughts, just like we have when we talk to others, is much more important than the technique we use in conversing with Him.

Types of Prayers: We can ask God for things (petition) for Him to block whatever we view as bad or harmful (intercession). WARNING: When we ask God to intercede for us we need to look at what we are asking for from God from HIS POINT OF VIEW. If we ask for things that are contrary to His will or His Word (the Scriptures), then we are provoking God against ourselves with will bring God’s wrath. Beyond petitioning and intercession there are also prayers of praise or adoration, thanksgiving, and confession.

Goal: The ultimate goal of prayer is that we increasingly and fully conform to God’s will and desires for us.

Preparation: There are two ways that we can be more thoughtful and coherent when we pray. First is that we can meditate. Meditation allows a person to clear thoughts that are off the subject from our focus. That is, we direct our minds only to one subject and ponder it for a time. By doing this we can avoid the clutter of every day life that will move randomly through our minds. Secondly, we can contemplate. That is we can develop goals, plans, and ideas which all involve processing types of thinking. By contemplating we can put these thoughts before God and ask Him if these are from Him (His will) or from just our own minds (our pride).

Private/Corporate: God does not want us to use prayer so we can display our superficial piety to bring ourselves praise from others. Rather, prayer is a deeply personal communication device that allows a great attachment to God and all of mankind (for who we should be praying for).