INTRODUCTION

Prayer, in the christian religion perspective, is defined as an act of communication by humans with the sacred or holy God. It is a spiritual act that transcends the spiritual realms, and carries supernatural powers.

People can define prayer by many different means depending on diverse cultural settings, spiritual backgrounds or personal experiences.

Since time immemorial, prayer holds a significant place in the life of mankind and cannot be neglected despite the season- whether it is during good or bad times.

BASIC COMPONENTS OF PRAYER

Prayer can basically be said to have 4 parts, which are:
-Adoration
-Confession
-Thanksgiving
-Supplication

ADORATION

Refers to worshipping God and acknowledging that He alone is God and is great. Adoration simply means giving God the glory He deserves. An example can be, ‘Oh! Wonderful God. How great is your name! How wonderful are your deeds and promises in the whole universe. Holy, Holy, Holy is your name.”
During adoration, we also praise the Lord. Praising Him means to lift up or make His name high. The Bible is full of praises and declarations of His goodness. Praising God is coming before Him—personally or with others—and expressing a thankful heart for who He is and what He has done.

CONFESSION

In confession, we acknowledge many of our sinful thoughts and deeds. It is viewed as a requirement of repentance when seeking for reconciliation with God or forgiveness from THE LORD, or holiness.
In Psalms 51, David the Psalmist confesses to God acknowledging that He has ben sinful since his conception. He says that he recognizes his faults and he is always concious of his sins. He confesses his sins sincerely.
In confession, we mention our weaknesses and inability to avoid temptations so that God can give us strength in weaknesses, apart from ability to overcome temptation. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul quotes Jesus who said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God is perfect in every way, giving Him the power to make up for any weaknesses we have. And we have a lot of weaknesses.

THANKSGIVING

This refers to giving God gratitude for His sufficient mercy, love, grace and many more.
The LORD loves it when we acknowledge the good deeds He has done to us. It might seem impossible to mention all- but a few such as gifts of life, forgiveness etc are important not forgetting His protection and providence.

SUPPLICATION

It means making requests of God. It is also called petition. A prayer of petition is a request to God that asks him to fulfill a need or a want. Here, we mention what we know we need and God is able to provide because H e understands us and knows each of us personally- this means He knows our needs. Before receiving from God, the principle of asking must be activated.

EXAMPLES OF PRAYER VERSES TO MENTION in PRAYER

1. John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2. Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end[ A FUTURE AND A HOPE]

3. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

4. John 10:10 –The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. .

5. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths

6. Matthew 28:19 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost

IMPORTANCE/ BENEFITS OF PRAYER

Prayer Gives Us Strength and Hope-Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

It helps You Deepen Your Relationship with God-Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Prayers Bring Peace and Comfort-Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Redirects Your Focus on the Things of God.
Unlocks Gratitude and Thankfulness.
Achieve New Levels of Confident Hope in God.
Helps You Attain the Promises of God in Your Life.
It’s a Path to Reduced Anxiety and Experiencing Calm

CONCLUSION

The story of every great Christian achievement is a history of answered prayer.
Prayer is the sovereign remedy.
Prayer is faith passing into act.
Let prayer be the key of your morning and the bolt at night.
Prayer, done persistently, will win.