The fact that the God of the universe wants us to speak to Him is one of the most wondrous thoughts known to man. Why does He want to hear from me? What is amazing is that with such a right available to each of God’s children few really avail themselves of it.
Prayer is a way we can PRAISE God. It is a time for us to enumerate just how marvelous God is. We tell Him what we think about Him in praise and adoration. It is a good idea to consult the Psalmist on how to express our heartfelt worship in prayer and supplication.
How great are your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep!
Psalm 92:5 (ESV)
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV)
O Lord God of hosts,
who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
with your faithfulness all around you?
Psalm 89:8 (ESV)
In prayer, we can exalt the King of all kings. Here is our time to extol His greatness and express our adoration for His kindness, and wondrous love for us.
Prayer is a time of PETITION. Our human condition is that we need God to provide for us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2Pe 1:3). It is in God that we live move and have our very being (Ac 17:28). Only from God can we receive our daily needs physically and spiritually. Jesus’ example prayer showed that we should petition the Father for daily bread and protection from the evil one (Mt 6:11; 13). Paul often requested prayer on his behalf knowing the petitions of the saints are heard by a loving and caring Father (Eph 5:19). To whom can we turn for daily sustenance? Only God.
“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
Prayer is a time for THANKSGIVING. Since God is the provider of everything we have our reaction must be to thank Him for His kindness toward us (Co 1:3; Ro 1:8). Ungratefulness is often at the very heart of sin. Forgetting that God is kind toward us is truly shortsighted.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Psalm 34:1–5 (ESV)
Prayer is a time for INTERCESSION. Let us remember that all men have common hurts and needs. We should intercede for all people because of their great needs. Again, we cite Paul’s beseeching the brethren to pray on his behalf. Knowing our own precarious position in life ought to make us sympathetic toward the like plight in others.
Worship Thoughts 