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Matthew 6:
James 4:
Jesus continued to offer a model prayer in Matthew 6:
Do we need to be specific in our prayers?
Yes, we praise God spontaneously throughout the day. At the end of the day, we thank God, item by item, for the blessings we received that day. We ask God to forgive us, again, item by item.
The model prayer is not meant to be a strict jacket. Acts 9:
Another example in 1 Samuel 1:
Romans 8:
Why do we pray?
By praying to God, we talk to God. We grow in Christ.
See also Whatever you ask IN MY NAME.
If God knows everything, why do we need to pray?7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
James 4:
It is a relationship talking to God in prayers. What kinds of things are you asking? What are your motives? By our asking and God's answering, we interact with God in a relationship. We learn from God in our prayers. Paul described a more mature way to pray in Philippians 4:2b. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Don't just ask, but give thanks to God. Praise God's work in our lives.6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Jesus continued to offer a model prayer in Matthew 6:
It is meant to be a daily affair, establishing a prayer life for the Christian. Prayer is a major way we practice the relationship between God and us. Jesus Prayed, and the apostles prayed. This is one way we get in touch with God.12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
This kind of prayer changes our thinking and behaviors toward others.14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Do we need to be specific in our prayers?
Yes, we praise God spontaneously throughout the day. At the end of the day, we thank God, item by item, for the blessings we received that day. We ask God to forgive us, again, item by item.
The model prayer is not meant to be a strict jacket. Acts 9:
Peter was being succinct in this prayer.40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
Another example in 1 Samuel 1:
Hannah was barren and prayed for a child. She gave birth to a son, Samuel, whose name means "God has heard"13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard.
Romans 8:
There are different ways that we can pray depending on our circumstances. It's not the formalities of prayers; it is our prayer life through which we get to know God better and better26 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.
Why do we pray?
By praying to God, we talk to God. We grow in Christ.
See also Whatever you ask IN MY NAME.