Most of us have the wrong idea of prayer.  We are either reminded of the ritual prayer (such as Namaz in Islam or Rosary prayers in Catholicism), or we believe that prayer is limited to making constant requests to God.  We must change our thoughts towards prayer.  God has saved us so we can have a relationship with Him.  Prayer is a two- way conversation with God who loves us.  God Himself is eager for this relationship.  Just as our body lives by receiving oxygen through breathing, our spirit lives by receiving life and health from God through prayer.

2) What are the various dimensions of prayer?

Prayer has multiple dimensions, all of which must be experienced and practiced.

1. Enjoying the presence of God:

We go before God in prayer, we feast on His love and enjoy His presence.  He is our Father and is waiting to embrace us — his beloved children.  So, let’s delight in His presence in our prayers.

Psalm 16:11  …………………………………………………

1. Having a conversation:

Prayer is a two-way conversation.  In prayer we open up our hearts to God.  He also opens up His heart to us.  Our objective in prayer is not to tell God what to do for us, but to hear what His will is for us in our lives so we can do it.

Jeremiah 33:3 …………………………………………………

1. Worship:

We worship God in prayer and praise His qualities.  We also thank Him for all that He has done.  Praise and worship is the natural reaction for anyone who has encountered God.  Anyone who “meets” God falls on his knees and worships Him.

Psalm 100:1-5 …………………………………………………

1. Requesting and receiving:

In prayer we can go before God empty-handed and return full handed.  We can be certain that He will answer our prayers when we pray according to His will, so we should pray and receive by faith.  For example we can be baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit in prayer–we can also receive authority, healing, freedom, boldness and courage for witnessing in prayer.

John 16:24 …………………………………………………

3) Where should we pray?

1. Everywhere:

During the day everywhere and in any situation we should pray.  It means we should always be filled with the Holy Spirit and our relationship with God should never be disconnected.

1 Timothy 2:8 …………………………………………………

1. In private:

We should have a special quiet time with God.

Matthew 6:5-6 …………………………………………………

1. In Public:

We should also pray with our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.

Matthew 6:9 …………………………………………………

• How should we pray?

Each prayer should be lead by the Holy Spirit so that he would guide us how to pray and what to pray for.  We can pray in two ways:

1. b) Prayer in mind:

            In this kind of prayer the Holy Spirit guides us to pray for something specific.           

1 Corinthians 14:15 …………………………………………………

1. b) Prayer in Spirit:

In this kind of prayer the Holy Spirit is guiding our spirit to pray in tongues. Those who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit can give the control of their tongues to the Holy Spirit to pray in tongues. 

Romans 8:26 …………………………………………………

Personal  Application:

During this week  in prayer seek the presence of the Lord and try to experience the different dimensions of prayer.  Try to pray with people who are strong in prayer so that you too will be able to experience a deeper dimension of prayer.       

 

         

 

  

A prayer Guide Matthew 6:9-13

1

Worship

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name

1. Worship God for who He is.
2. Worship God and thank Him for what He has done that is written in the Bible and also for the things He has done in your life. (James 1:17)

2

SURRENDER

       Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven                                              

1. Pray for God’s kingdom to come to your heart, your life,

Your family, your church, and your city.

1. Make yourself obedient to God and His will.

(Romans 13:1)

3

Request

 Give us today our daily bread

1. Pray about your worries. (Philippians 4:4)
2. Pray for your requests.
3. Pray for peace and success. (3 John 2)
4. Pray for wisdom. (James 1:5)
5. Pray for specific things, not in general.

4

Forgiveness

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors             

1. Confess your sins and accept His forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)
2. Forgive those who have not been kind to you and ask God to bless them. (Hebrews12:15 and James 3)

5

Victory

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one            

1. Pray for victory over the temptations. (James 4:7-8)
2. In the name of Jesus declare your victory over Satan.

(1 John 4:4)

1. c) Pray for God to be glorified in your life.