Scripture on Prayer
Home Prayer
- Pray Alone: Jesus would regularly seek out isolation to pray
“even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”
Luke 5:15–16
Drawing close to God privately prepares you to draw close to God alongside others.
2. Pray Together: Jesus also prayed publicly for others, so they could agree and as an example.
Jesus encouraged us to pray together so we can join in agreement. Why not with your family and loved ones in your own home?
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19–20
- Prayer should be direct and simple. There is no need for it to be intimidating. God values direct and simple prayers. The religious leaders in Jesus’ day made prayer complicated, and He was not impressed.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:5–8
- The Holy Spirit intercedes for us even when we don’t know how to pray
“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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
Romans 8:26–27
- Prayer is inviting God into your circumstances. He cares about every detail of your life. Put it ALL before God
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6–7