What is the purpose of prayer? - Spiritual Disciplines - TouchPoints

2 Chronicles 7:14“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

Prayer is an act of humble worship in which we seek God with all our heart.

Psalm 38:15-18I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall.” I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

1 John 1:9If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Prayer often involves confession of sin.

1 Samuel 14:36Then Saul said, “Let’s chase the Philistines all night and plunder them until sunrise. Let’s destroy every last one of them.” His men replied, “We’ll do whatever you think is best.” But the priest said, “Let’s ask God first.”

2 Samuel 5:19So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”

Prayer often involves asking God for guidance and waiting for his direction and leading.

Psalm 23:4Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Mark 1:35Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Prayer often expresses an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father, who makes his own love and resources available to us in any and every circumstance in life.

Psalm 9:1-2I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

Through prayer we usually take the opportunity to praise our almighty God.