Walking With JesusSample

### Prayer Communication is essential for a living relationship with God and others. We cannot say that we have a relationship with someone we have not spoken to in fifteen years. Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. According to 1 John 5:14-15, He hears us when we ask according to His will. We pray to the Father in the name of Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit. We have to pray through Jesus. Matthew 6:6-13 provides a good outline as to how we should pray: * v9: “Hallowed be your Name” We always begin by worshipping God and giving Him thanks. Scripture says we must enter His courts with thanksgiving and praise. We come to Him because of who He is, not because of what He can do for us. * Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come, Your will be done” * Matthew 6:11 “Our daily bread” – provision * Matthew 6:12 Forgiveness * Matthew 6:13 Victory over temptation Be honest when you pray. God is not interested in our religious masks. He wants you to tell Him exactly how you feel and what you are thinking. There are different kinds of prayer found in Scripture: * Thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15) * Praise (Psalm 35:18) * Supplication (John 14:13-14) * Confession (Psalm 38:18; James 1:15) * Repentance  (1 John 1:17-9; Luke 11:4) * Faith (Matthew 21:21-22) * Agreement (Matthew 18:19-20) The type of prayer we most commonly pray is the prayer of supplication (asking). We must know that God is not only interested in providing for our needs, but also to give us the desires of our hearts. However, I have come to realise that it is more important to pray for other people and their needs, than our own. The most powerful type of prayer is called the prayer of agreement. This is a prayer where we ask and agree with other believers according to the will of God. Prayer is about trusting God and being honest with Him. We pray because we need it and not because God needs it. Prayer changes us and not God. Reflection questions (write your answers in a journal): * Where and when did Jesus pray? (Mark 1:35) * How much do you pray for yourself and your own needs? * How much do you pray for other people and their needs? * Do you give God an opportunity to speak to you? In this week, try to listen to what He says after you have spoken. Action: Make a list of five people that you would like to pray for and spend ten minutes praying for them.