Prayer
Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus), said, "
We are told to pray. If we believe Yeshua is our Creator, Savior and soon coming King, then we have no option but to obey. [see: Who is the God of the Old Testament]
So what is prayer?
Here are a few abbreviated Hebrew and Greek definitions for prayer taken from Strong’s Lexicon.
06419. palal paw-lal’; (74) to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray:—intreat, (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication.
08605. t@phillah tef-il-law’; (77) intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn:—prayer.
4336. proseuchomai pros-yoo’-khom-ahee;(87) to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:—pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.
4335. proseuche pros-yoo-khay’; (36) prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel):—X pray earnestly, prayer.
1) prayer addressed to God
2) a place set apart or suited for the offering of prayer
1162. deesis deh’-ay-sis; a petition:—prayer (12), request, supplication (6).
From the above it can be concluded that prayer is more than just asking, it is a petition, a request, a supplication, an intreaty, or intercession, used in worship, both corporate [Acts 20:36] and private, verbally or mentally. Not just for self but others as well [1 Timothy 2:1] .
Be careful and follow Yeshua’s instruction, do not pray to be seen [Matthew 6:5-8] and not to use vain repetition.
Prayers are to be address to the Father [Matthew 6:9] .
Prayers are continual communication with our Creator [1 Thessalonians 5:17]
Prayer is a request, and praise to a power higher than ourselves. So we address the One who can do something about our needs and is glorified by our worship [Ephesians 3:18] [Philippians 4:6] .
How can we know how to pray?
We have to come to the Holy One on His terms. By diligently studying His Word and by asking Him for direction we can know how to pray.
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
(Joshua 1:8) [all scripture NIV unless noted]and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3: 15-17)Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
(Psalms 119:105)Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
(Matthew 7:7)There are also examples of saints that have had answers to prayer and by reading their works we can be encouraged. The writings of George Muller has personally encouraged me.
Conclusion:
Prayer is not an option. It is a relationship with the One who is willing to help us. The One that loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son for us. Remember to seek answers to your needs as well as the needs of others. Be willing to be corrected and taught by all His Word.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless those that are obedient to His instruction.