Jesus teaches His disciples to pray
Matthew 6:9–13
Jesus presents prayer as a relationship with our heavenly Father, centered on His name, His kingdom, and His will, as well as our daily needs.
Prayer Resources
Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life. In prayer we draw near to God, bring our needs before Him, give thanks, and learn to trust His faithfulness.
Prayer in the Bible
Bringing our requests to God
Philippians 4:6–7
Paul encourages believers to bring their requests to God with prayer, petition, and thanksgiving, trusting that God's peace will guard their hearts and minds.
A life characterized by prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Prayer is part of a Christian life marked by joy, gratitude, and perseverance.
Praying for one another
James 5:16
Scripture encourages believers to confess to one another and pray for one another, recognizing the importance of prayer within the community of faith.
Types of Prayer
Jesus said, “You, therefore, pray like this” (Matthew 6:9). Prayer can be expressed in different ways, including:
Praise
Worship and exaltation of God for who He is.
Thanksgiving
Acknowledging and giving thanks for God's blessings and faithfulness.
Repentance
Confessing our sins and seeking the forgiveness and transformation God offers.
Supplication
Bringing our own needs and requests before God.
Intercession
Praying on behalf of other people and their needs.
Praying for One Another
Christian prayer is not limited to our own needs. God also calls us to carry the burdens of our brothers and sisters, interceding for one another and giving thanks together.
We pray together because we belong together as the body of Christ.
Scripture Passages on Intercession
The Bible repeatedly encourages us to pray for other people. These passages can serve as guides and encouragement for our intercession.
Ephesians 6:18
Paul encourages believers to pray at all times and for all the saints.
1 Timothy 2:1
We are urged to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for all people.
Colossians 4:2–4
Paul calls believers to persevere in prayer and asks them to pray that God will open a door for the message of the gospel.
James 5:16
Scripture encourages us to pray for one another and recognizes the power of earnest prayer.
Romans 12:12
Perseverance in prayer is part of a Christian life marked by hope, patience, and faithfulness.
Prayer Brings Us Nearer to God
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.
Steps to Christ, p. 93
An Invitation to Pray
When you visit the Prayer Wall, consider taking a few moments to pray for the person behind each request. We may not know all of their circumstances, but we can bring their needs before God.