Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

What is prayer?

Just as how we communicate in order to keep our relations intact, we should also be in constant touch with our Father in Heaven. One way of doing that is through prayer. Prayer is the communication between us and God. We can boldly go to Him in prayer and tell him how we feel, what we desire, seek guidance etc. Prayer is giving our attention to God in a two-way spiritual relationship where we talk to God and also listen to Him. Prayer is like a child’s conversation with their father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things they need, or to ask for advice or guidance.

Who should pray?

Prayer is an open invitation extended to everyone, regardless of their circumstances, background, or status. The Bible is explicit in its encouragement for all people to engage in prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), the Apostle Paul encourages believers by saying, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This passage conveys that prayer is not limited to a select few but is a continuous and open invitation for all believers.

So to answer the question, “YOU” should pray.

Why should you pray?

When you receive Christ into your heart, you become a child of God and have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer at any time about anything. The Christian life is a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. And best of all, it is a relationship that will last for all eternity.

There are many promises in God’s Word to encourage us to pray, such as: “He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him” (Psalm 91:15); “And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24); “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). These Scriptures assure us that God hears and answers prayer.

When should you pray?

You should pray at all times.

1 Thessalonians 5 v 17 “Pray without ceasing”.

The Bible is clear that we should pray always–And we should. However, there are some circumstances in our lives that should trigger immediate prayer. Here are examples of circumstances that should trigger prayer.

1. When you are happy.

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 1:13

2. When you are tempted. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13).

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

3. When you are worried. The Bible teaches us to cast their burdens on the Lord.

Paul wrote, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6).

4. When you have a great decision to make or problem to solve: The Bible teaches that,” If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James. 1:5).

5. When you are discouraged: In living the Christian life, you should not quit. You need to turn to God in prayer. Jesus said,“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Lk. 18:1).Paul said, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians. 6:18). When you are discouraged, ask God to send you some help in the form of other Christians.

6. When you have sinned.: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John: 1:7-9).

Where should you pray?

This question has a lot of different answers, and thank goodness it does. God hears your prayers no matter where you’re praying. In the Bible, people prayed in houses, in closets, on mountaintops, in deserts, late at night, early in the morning, before meals, and after battles. So maybe it doesn’t really matter where your body is during prayer and at what time you pray. Instead, it’s about where your heart is when you pray. Any time you want or need to talk with God, that’s when you should pray. Any place you need to feel the influence of His love, that’s where you should pray. You don’t have to wait for the perfect time or place (or the perfect you). Just pray. God will hear you.

Prayer

Any time you want or need to talk with God, that's when you should pray. Any place you need to feel the influence of His love, that’s where you should pray. You don’t have to wait for the perfect time or place (or the perfect you). Just pray. God will hear you.

1 Who so dwelleth in the secrete of the most High, shall abide in the shadowe of the Almightie. 2 I will say vnto the Lord, O mine hope, and my fortresse: he is my God, in him will I trust. 3 Surely he will deliuer thee from the snare of the hunter, and from the noysome pestilence. 4 Hee will couer thee vnder his winges, and thou shalt be sure vnder his feathers: his trueth shall be thy shielde and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraide of the feare of the night, nor of the arrowe that flyeth by day: 6 Nor of the pestilence that walketh in the darkenesse: nor of the plague that destroyeth at noone day. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and tenne thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come neere thee. 8 Doubtlesse with thine eyes shalt thou beholde and see the reward of the wicked. 9 For thou hast said, The Lord is mine hope: thou hast set the most High for thy refuge. 10 There shall none euill come vnto thee, neither shall any plague come neere thy tabernacle. 11 For hee shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee to keepe thee in all thy wayes. 12 They shall beare thee in their handes, that thou hurt not thy foote against a stone. 13 Thou shalt walke vpon the lyon and aspe: the yong lyon and the dragon shalt thou treade vnder feete. 14 Because he hath loued me, therefore will I deliuer him: I will exalt him because hee hath knowen my Name. 15 He shall call vpon me, and I wil heare him: I will be with him in trouble: I will deliuer him, and glorifie him. 16 With long life wil I satisfie him, and shew him my saluation.

God Our Protector

1 Whoever goes to the Lord for safety,

whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,

2 can say to him,

“You are my defender and protector.

You are my God; in you I trust.”

3 He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers

and from all deadly diseases.

4 He will cover you with his wings;

you will be safe in his care;

his faithfulness will protect and defend you.

5 You need not fear any dangers at night

or sudden attacks during the day

6 or the plagues that strike in the dark

or the evils that kill in daylight.

7 A thousand may fall dead beside you,

ten thousand all around you,

but you will not be harmed.

8 You will look and see

how the wicked are punished.

9 You have made the Lord your defender,

the Most High your protector,

10 and so no disaster will strike you,

no violence will come near your home.

11 God will put his angels in charge of you

to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you up with their hands

to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones.

13 You will trample down lions and snakes,

fierce lions and poisonous snakes.

14 God says, “I will save those who love me

and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord.

15 When they call to me, I will answer them;

when they are in trouble, I will be with them.

I will rescue them and honor them.

16 I will reward them with long life;

I will save them.”

Psalms 91