BLAIRGOWRIE

 

WHAT IS PRAYER?

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Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.  It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made.  Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility and claiming dependence upon God.  Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian.  Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope.  Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord.

 

Prayer changes the one praying because, in prayer, you are in the presence of God as you lay before Him your complete self in confession and dependence.  There is nothing to hide when in quiet supplication we are reaching into the deepest part of ourselves and admitting our needs and failures.  In so doing, our hearts are quieted and pride is stripped and we enjoy the presence of God.  James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 

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There is another benefit of prayer:  peace.  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,"

(Phil. 4:6-7).

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We are all encouraged to set aside time with God and pray, as this quote from the New Testament shows, whether alone with our own individual prayers or together such as in a church service.

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There are no rules about the when, where, how, or what of prayer but sometimes we can find it hard to know where to begin.

 

Here, we have provided a few prayers for all occasions that might help. Just click on this link.  Your own words are just right too. The important thing is to just start…

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IDEAS TO HELP YOU PRAY

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Picture Jesus, and then say what is in your heart, what you feel.

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‘Arrow’ prayers can be offered to God anywhere, at any time. With a little practice, you’ll get into the habit of talking to God every day, not only in times of emergency.

 

An everyday way of praying, which you could use whilst waiting for the kettle to boil.

 

The teaspoon (tsp) prayer:

• T for thanking God 
• S for saying sorry to God
• P for ‘please’, asking God to help you or others

 

• Find a space for yourself and God. It often helps to find somewhere quiet where you can sit and be alone with God, or perhaps go for a quiet walk away from others.

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• a regular time, perhaps first thing in the morning or last thing at night might suit you best.

• keep practicing and get into the habit.

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• listen, be aware that God hears and answers you, although not always in the way you want.

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• be imaginative. A pebble, candle or recalling an image from a bible story can help you focus.

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• ‘Prayer activity is a discipline – it can be difficult at times, just like keeping fit, being on a diet, or keeping weeds down in the garden! Little and often is best, but don’t give up! No prayer, however inadequate you may feel it to be, is ever wasted or of no value.’  

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If you want to know more about how to pray  ‘Trypraying’ will help and encourage us to try praying for a week.

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LET US PRAY

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A few sentences from the Bible to encourage you to pray, knowing that God hears you and cares for you:

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 "I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray." 

(Psalm 17 verse 6).

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"Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!" 

(Psalm 116 verse 2).

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"Morning, noon, and night I plead aloud in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice." 

(Psalm 55 verse 17).

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"Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you."

(Luke chapter 6 verse 28).

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"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." 

(James chapter 5 verse 16).

 

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

(Psalm 41:1)

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Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

(1 Chronicles 16:11)