Efficacy of Prayer

We should pray for the courage to change what we can; the patience to accept what we cannot change; and the wisdom to know the difference.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus points out that it is only when the seed is sown in good soil that it brings forth an abundance. The soil / soul comparison makes clear what is often ignored about prayer: it is not the seed, but the condition of the soil (soul) that determines the size of the harvest. It is not by sowing more seeds, but by improving the soil, that we increase the quantity and improve the quality of the results.

I had always felt that to pray there had to be some eloquent way to convey the things that you wanted to say to God. I also was often frustrated, as I questioned that if God was all knowing, why was it necessary to pray to him and tell him things he already knew. Throughout my time at NCYC I came to understand my relationship with God less like a human and omniscient being relationship, but more as a parent and child relationship. Though He may already know what you have to tell Him, it is about building the communication and the friendship, so that He can work best in your life. The best analogy that I have heard about this was from one of the leaders of the trip, and he compared life to being in a marching band. From the point of view of the musicians, it seems chaotic and as though people are going in every direction for no apparent reason; however, from up

Prayer is an essential to any kind of religious faith. Over the years and years of believing in a higher power,

(Pause) Prayer is what we do to win battles against the forces of evil.., to ward off satan's schemes. You gotta get on your knees. To win the battle.

We also pray that God will watch over our people and make them feel comfortable with him and in him. God, we know that you are watching over us and that you will make sure we are safe in your care.

The model for our prayer lives is presented by Paul in Ephesians 6:18-20. In this passage,

you in prayer and people praying for you: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the

Prayer is the most power thing you have in your toolbox. There are so many things you can do true this thing we call prayer. Prayer can get you out of trouble even when people are trying to put in you trouble. As we look at our text today we see that now the administrators and people over power over the land have produced a law that makes it basically illegal to pray to anyone other then kind Darius for 30days. The

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him (Matthew 5:7, NLT). In Matthew 5:9:15 He gives us the model prayer: • Our Father-we pray to the Father • Hollowed be thou name-worship • Your kingdom come-praying that His kingdom be established, and that His will be done on the earth as it is in heaven.

Praying together as a Body of Christ helps us to give our dignity to those who need it. Everyone deserves dignity because we are all God’s people. Praying

O Lord, what great and glorious plans you have for us. Lord, we do not see the way, but we know you and trust. Keep our minds and hearts strong and quiet in you.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Having been a Christian for many years I thought that I had a fair knowledge of what it meant to pray. I was amazed and humbled by the idea that through Jesus’ restorative act on the cross I am able to come into God’s presence - and not only come but be welcomed and even longed for. I believed that prayer is a powerful tool to petition God , a vehicle to praise Him , and an instrument to increase our intimacy with Him . I understood that people pray in a variety of ways, based on the teaching they have received, their experience, and even their personality. Most commonly, I engaged in prayer as a conversation with God.

"Prayer is not a check request asking for things from God. It is a deposit slip - a way of depositing God 's character into our bankrupt souls." - Dutch Sheets,