Definitions of Prayer
- The act of humans attempting to communicate with God.
- The act of communicating with God through praise, worship, thanksgiving, and petition.
- Prayer is the act of attempting to see reality from God’s point of view. By prayer I shift my perspective away from myself to God when I turn my concerns and problems over to God.
- The act of following Jesus’ example of responding to every issue by seeking and communicating with God.
- Prayer is the act of developing and maintaining my relationship with God. It is God’s designated way of experiencing the relationship. James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you”. To have an intimate relationship requires communication. Prayer is the means of seeking companionship with God.
- Prayer is the SOUND THAT FAITH MAKES
- Prayer is our attempt to open up, and be honest with God like we never can with people. It is offering the real me to God. Confession is an example. In a culture that values strength and self reliance, prayer is the only place that I can be authentic.
- In prayer, God invites us to humble ourselves before Him, argue with God, call God to account for His promises, and appeal to God’s mercy and love. Prayer is our “wrestling match” with God.
- Prayer is that point in time that we stop being God, and let Him be God.
- Prayer is trusting God with stuff He already knows. (C.S. Lewis)
- It is the persistent pursuit of a genuine desire for change. It is therefore a key element of spiritual growth.
- It is the act of pursuing God in an effort to bring about change in self and circumstances. Prayer is a declaration of dependence upon God.
- God has chosen to join in partnership with redeemed mankind to accomplish kingdom work on earth. Prayer is the process of us becoming available for God’s program. We are God’s fellow workers, and we turn in prayer to equip us for the work. Prayer is cooperation with God, and the communion that results from our partnership with God. See Gal.2:20, Eph.2:10, Phil.2:12-13; 1 Cor.15:10
