11.3.2 Prayer

Another vital practice to develop is that of prayer. Having reminded us that there is "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all", Paul drives home the practical result of understanding Christ's work: "I will therefore that men pray every where...without wrath and doubting" (1 Tim. 2:5-8). "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:15,16).

Really appreciating that Christ is our personal High Priest to offer our prayers powerfully to God, should inspire us to regularly pray in faith. However, prayer should not just be a 'wants list' presented to God; thanksgiving for food before meals, for safe keeping on journeys etc. should form an important part of our prayers.

Just placing our problems before the Lord in prayer should, in itself, give a great sense of peace: "In every thing (nothing is too small to pray about) by prayer...with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds" (Phil. 4:6,7).

If our prayers are according to God's will, they will surely be responded to (1 John 5:14). We can know God's will through our study of His Word, which reveals His Spirit/mind to us. Therefore our Bible study should teach us both how to pray and what to pray for, thus making our prayers powerful. Therefore "If...my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).

There are many examples of regular prayer in Scripture (Ps. 119:164; Dan. 6:10). Morning and evening, with a few short prayers of thanksgiving during the day should be seen as a bare minimum.