Prayer Series: Introduction
Prayer is usually a mundane topic of necessity in churches today. Preaching about revivals, evangelism and growth tends to be more appealing. We do not however realize that anything without a proper foundation cannot stand. Jesus Christ is our foundation (1 Cor 3:11). The only way to hear and learn God’s voice is through delving into the Bible and through prayer. Prayer let’s us learn His voice and assists us in discerning God’s voice from several others trying to distract us. Therefore it can be said that the only way to make sure we have a proper foundation is through studying the Bible and prayer. Hence, prayer is critical in our Christian walk.
Before we go further I want to mention a few interesting facts regarding prayer:
- 650 Prayers in the Bible
- First prayer mentioned is Genesis 4:26
- 5 Main postures
- Sitting (2 Sam 7:18)
- Standing (Mark 11:25)
- Kneeling (Chronicles 6:13; Daniel 6:10; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60, 9:40, 20:36, 21:5; Ephesians 3:14)
- With one’s face to the ground (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:35)
- With hands lifted up (1 Timothy 2:8)
Types of Prayer (Not limited to these)
- Prayer of faith (James 5:15)
- Prayer of agreement (Acts 2:42)
- Prayer of request (also known as petition or supplication) (Philippians 4:6)
- Prayer of thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2-3)
- Prayer of worship (Acts 13:2-3)
- Prayer of consecration (also known as dedication) (Matthew 26:39)
- Prayer of intercession (1 Timothy 2:1)
- Prayer of imprecation (Psalms 69)
- Praying in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14-15)
A great article on “Prayer Types” can be found at
1 Timothy 2:1-8
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
What opened up a new aspect of prayer whilst reading the above mentioned verse was that we should pray for all and all should pray. Imagine the power in a body of believers if all are regularly praying in general, but also regularly praying for all. That’s what God’s intent was, if brethren are praying for each other they tend to adapt the heart of Christ in their lives, allowing them to see others through Jesus’ eyes. Prayer brings us in God’s presence first of all and then brings unity in His body.
2 Corinthians 10:4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
We need to realize the importance of using the weapons God gave us of which prayer is majorly involved. The topic of this series is not necessarily spiritual warfare, but prayer and prayer plays an enormous role in spiritual warfare. Prayer is so important that it must be done continually (I Thess 5:17).
let’s ask the question – Why a series on prayer?
- Prayer makes you aware of being in God’s presence
- Prayer uplifts you
- Prayer intercedes
- Prayer cries out before God
- Prayer fights for you
- Prayer makes you aware of the fruits of the Spirit in your life
- Prayer is a conversation with God
- Prayer demonstrates your faith in God
The list just goes on and on. We need to realize that we will not be able to fight a winning spiritual battle if we do not have prayer laden lives. My prayer is that this series will ignite the passion in your hearts to become a praying people of God. That your requests and your joys will be made known unto Him through prayer. Prayer unites us with God and each other. Keep praying, always.
Works Cited
5. Becoming a Praying Church (1 Timothy 2:1-8) | Bible.org. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://bible.org/seriespage/5-becoming-praying-church-1-timothy-21-8
Why Do We Pray? – Topical Studies. (n.d.). Biblestudytools.Com. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-do-we-pray.html
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