248. How does the New Testament teach us to pray?
The New Testament teaches us that Christian prayer is
A. addressed to the Father;
Matthew 6:9 Pray then like this: "Our Father in Heaven."
1 Peter 1:17 If you call on Him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.
Ephesians 3:14-17 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
B. prayed in Jesus' name (that is, through faith in Christ in accordance with His will)--only those who beleive in and pray in the name of Jesus may expect to be heard;
John 14:14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 16:23 Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it to you.
C. enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves upin your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 6:18 [Pray] at all times in teh Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Read Acts 4:23-31. Notice the requests that are made and the role played by the Holy Spirit. The only true God is the one who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Eventual commentary
| Previous Question | Next Question |