WHAT IS PRAYER?

PERSONAL DEVOTION

What is prayer?

Prayer is…

• Communication with God

• Acknowledging the presence of God in our lives

• The exercise of faith and hope

• The state of accepting our humility

What is the purpose of prayer in the life of a Christian believer?

• To recognise the reality of God’s presence

• Adoration, thanksgiving, forgiveness, faith

• To bring peace to ourselves and others

• Achieve inner harmony with God

• To engage with the Holy Spirit

How does prayer help Christians become closer to God?

• Private prayer lies at the heart of a Christian spiritual life• Through prayer we accept our human frailty and learn

more about our ‘real’ selves• Through prayer we engage the Holy Spirit – communion

of souls• “Maranatha” – “Come O Lord!” (mantra)• Peace – “Peace be with you” – meaning: life, joy, love

Anatomy of a prayer

1. The praise and adoration of God. All genuine prayer begins as the Christian thanks God for the world He has created and the faculties of health and strength to enjoy it.

2. A confession of any sins committed and the seeking of God’s forgiveness (salvation)

3. Requests to God to intervene in their own personal life or in the lives of others. Prayers for others are called ‘intercessions’. (refuge)

4. Thanksgiving for all the blessings that have already been received from God

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Work in pairs

• Write your own prayer

• Use the images as stimulus

• Incorporate all 4 prayer components

• Share with class