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Q98. What is prayer?

Prayer is telling God our desires for things that agree with his will, in the name of Christ, while confessing our sins and thanking him for his blessings.

Scripture Proofs — King James Version

1

Psalm 62:8

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

2

1 John 5:14

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”

3

John 16:23

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”

4

Psalm 32:5–6

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.”

Daniel 9:4

“And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;”

5

Philippians 4:6

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Parent Guide

Discuss this question together

Discussion Questions

  1. 1

    What is prayer?

  2. 2

    Why does prayer need to be for things that agree with God’s will?

  3. 3

    What parts of prayer besides asking for things are mentioned in this answer?

Illustration

Prayer is a conversation, not a vending machine. You do not just put in a request and get something out. Prayer includes telling God what you need, confessing where you have gone wrong, and thanking him for what he has done. All three parts matter.

Application

Because God invites you to talk with him, try praying with all three parts tonight. First, thank God for one specific thing. Second, confess one sin from today. Third, ask him for something you need. Keep it honest and short.