Looking as these definitions we can conclude that a prayer is a form of communication to God whether it be to our God or a false God. Obviously if we are communicating with God there must be a reason. So to determine what prayer is one must ask the questions

1. Whom am I praying to?

2. Why am I praying?

3. Do I really believe there will be a response to my prayer?

 

For a Christian the answer to the first question should be obvious, we are praying to God. The second question however requires a bit more thought.

What do you hope to gain by praying? Is there a specific request you are bringing to God? Are you coming to talk to God to thank him for his blessings he has given you? Is it a ritual that you pray every morning and every evening simply because you are supposed to? Why are you praying?

These questions must be addressed in order to have effective prayer. You have to understand why you are praying and what exactly you are asking God for before you can hope for prayer to be effective.

The third question brings you to the question of faith. Do you really believe that your prayer is being heard by God and there will be a response from him? If the answer is no then is it a waste of time?

Think on these things and you have the beginning of understanding the importance of prayer.

 

God bless

Sister Becky