Prayer: Student Handout

What is Prayer?

• Prayer is communication with God. We do this by praising Him, confessing our sin before Him, thanking Him, and asking Him for our needs and desires. Just like you would communicate with your friends or family, God also wants this open communication. Though we cannot see God, it’s our faith that he hears us confidently.

  • 1 John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

• Being honest and sharing with Him our concerns and our wants, and above all, giving thanks for what he has and will do for us.

Verse: “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When and How to Pray

• Anytime, anywhere. Say what’s in your heart, and open up to Him. This doesn’t have to be long; it just needs to be from the heart.

• What NOT to do when praying (Lie, manipulate, or say words with no heartfelt meaning)

• You can also use the “Lord’s Prayer” as a guideline on how to pray

Verse: “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door, and pray to your Father who sees what is done in secret.” — Matthew 6:6

Who Do We Pray For?

• Ourselves, others, and God’s will

Verse: “Pray for each other so that you may be healed.” — James 5:16

Who is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?

• God the Father loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to this world to die for our sins so that we may receive the Holy Spirit so that we may be connected to the Father. Every single one of us is called a child of God, and when you believe that Jesus died for our sins, you receive the connection to that Spirit. When you confess this, that same spirit that was in Jesus is now in you. Now that you have freely received that Spirit, you have a direct connection to the Father because next to Him, Jesus is seated on the throne. Jesus loves you so much that He, on your behalf, talks to the father about you. You not only received His love but you also received a friendship like no other.

How Do We Know God Hears Us?

• God always listens, even if we don’t feel it

• The Holy Spirit understands our prayers

Verse: Romans 8:26-28 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”

Psalm 145:18-19 “The Lord is near to all who call on him,    to all who call on him in truth.He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;    he hears their cry and saves them.”

Why Prayer is Important

• Prayer moves the hand of God. We have to view God as the creator; when we do this, we know he can do anything, and if He has promised us in scripture that “if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us,”

• Prayer brings healing and peace, and helps us in times where worry and fear may creep in.

Verse: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” — Philippians 4:6

Verse: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man that is impossible,but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Jesus' Example

• Jesus prayed honestly and asked for God’s will

• We should do the same, if Jesus needed prayer, how much more do we need it?

Verse: “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. But I want your will to be done, not mine.” — Matthew 26:39

• Jesus makes time for prayer away from distractions

Verse: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35

Tips for Prayer

• Be real, be vulnerable, and be honest.

• Avoid distractions

• Remember what God has done for you; try and keep a journal or paper and record what you are praying for. When God has answered the prayer, highlight it and see how much He cares.

• We also have to remember that sometimes what we want does not align with what God wants, so if a prayer goes unanswered, know that God has promised to give you all that you can ask, think, or imagine, so know God's best is coming.

• Our timing may not look like His timing, so remain patient and have faith that God is working all things for your GOOD.