A twelve year old boy decided he didn’t like the way the postal service handled his mail, so he wrote a letter to his congressman. He was shocked when two federal agents showed up at his door! He didn’t anticipate anyone taking him seriously and he didn’t know his letter had such power.Most Christians have never guessed the tremendous power they have when they touch God through prayer.
THE BASIC IDEA BEHIND PRAYER
Prayer is a spiritual conversion. Our prayers aren’t helped by making them sound religious or eloquent. Prayer is a conversion, we speak and listen. Through prayer we reach God, who can change our lives and circumstances. That’s why people pray.
CONFESSION
The first prayer we need to learn is confession. Wrong actions create blockage in our prayer life. We confess our sin to be rid of it. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” The Bible assures us of forgiveness if we confess our sin to God. We also confess weakness and the tendency to sin. God transforms our attitude and behavior to promote our spiritual development.
PETITION
A petition is a request for yourself. It covers basic needs. Through petition we ask God for help in all the affairs of our lives. No request is too small. God would rather have you rely on Him for everything, than not trusting Him for anything. Jesus taught us to make our requests “in His name.” He provides us access to God. He is the “one Mediator” between God and humans.
INTERCESSION
Intercession is a request for someone else. We are able to help people by praying for their physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. We can pray nearby or from miles away. We’re to pray for Christian leaders too, and members of the church, so their lives will be always oriented to Jesus. The secret of intercession is to pray as seriously and energetically for someone else as you do for yourself.
PRAISE
Praise is an acknowledgment of God’s goodness, greatness, and “loving kindness.” The Bible tells us to give God thanks for everything. And it is very important to thank God when He’s answered your prayers.
FRIENDLY CONVERSATION
Perhaps the most satisfying prayer is when you want to communicate with God without asking for anything. This is sometimes called “fellowship” or “communion.” It is a form of prayer that is intimate and satisfying.
OPPORTUNITY TO PRAY
We believe anyone can develop an effective prayer life. We want you to feel comfortable talking to God, and pray so well it becomes a “second language.”
If you have Questions, Please give us a call. Calvary Chapel Paradise (530) 873-3114
Thank you Capo Beach Calvary for the use of this resource!