Robert M. West - Learn to Pray: 66 Bible Prayer Passages Explained and Applied

2021 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

ISBN 978-1-64352-718-5

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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the H OLY B IBLE , N EW I NTERNATIONAL V ERSION . NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible, and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

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The ability to communicate is one thing that sets human beings apart from other living things. God made people in His own image, giving them emotions and creativity, as well as the language by which to share these things.

Very young children must learn to talk with other people, in a process that develops over time. Talking with Godor prayeris also a skill that requires effort.

So how do we learn to pray?

To answer that question, we go to the Word of Godthe Bible. It provides countless examples of and instructions about prayer that help us understand just what it is, how its done, and why its so essential to our lives.

Of course, the Bible is a large book, written thousands of years ago. Its size and antiquity can be daunting to us, causing us to miss the life-changing truths it shares. Thats why weve created Learn to Pray.

In this little volume, youll find brief entries on 66 aspects of prayer. Each entry summarizes a particular point, giving you a clearer view of one facet of communication with God. Every entry follows this outline:

I N T EN W ORDS OR L ESS : A nutshell glance at the topic.

D ETAILS , P LEASE : A longer explanation, incorporating information from throughout Gods Word.

A DDITIONAL S CRIPTURES : A few other key verses supporting the point.

W HAT O THERS S AY : A memorable quotation from a pastor, theologian, or Christian author.

S O W HAT ? An inspirational or devotional thought as a personal takeaway.

Prayer is something you need to know and enjoydirect communication with the God of the universe, the loving God who created you, keeps you, and offers you eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Use this book to begin a journey of discovery that could truly change your life!

Various types of praying should be a normal Christian discipline.

The first biblical reference to prayer appears near the beginning of recorded history. Then began men to call on the name of the L ORD (Genesis 4:26). This spiritual communication with God is called prayer. People are to pray on Gods terms at any time, in any place, about anything.

When Jesus disciples heard Him pray, they realized that they had more to learn about prayer. To be able to pray like Him, they said, Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1). This is an important part of Christian discipleship. When Saul of Tarsus became a Christian, one of the first things said about him was, Behold, he is praying (Acts 9:11 NKJV ). Regular prayer is to be a joyful experience (John 16:2324).

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:18)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV )

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. (1 Timothy 2:1)

Prayer is Gods appointed means for appropriating the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. D. A. Carson

To know the Lord and grow as a Christian, prayer must become a regular part of life. Its like the joy that young children have when talking to their loving father.

God in heaven graciously invites people to talk with Him.

To those who request our company, accepting an invitation is a common courtesy. Whats amazing is that Godwho created all things and controls the universehas reached out to us and invites us to pray to Him. That God wants us to spend time with Him, experiencing His presence, is incredible. And it is in our best interest to accept His invitation. Consider how God invited the prophet Jeremiah to pray when his faith was severely tested in difficult times: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jeremiah 33:3).

Hear, O L ORD , when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, L ORD , will I seek. (Psalm 27:78)

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the L ORD : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8 ESV )

While God is always ready to answer the cry of the human heart, man must first request assistance.