The Theology of Prayer

I. What is prayer?
A. “Prayer is human language that is addressed to God.”

II. Who is it that we pray to?

A. The Triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
B. God is all-knowing (omniscient) – Isa. 40:13-14; Matt. 10:29-30
C. God is everywhere present (omnipresent) – Job 34:21; Psalm 139:7-12
D. God is all-powerful (omnipotent) – Luke 1:37
E. God is the providential ruler of all creation – Dan. 4:35; Eph. 1:11
F. God has ultimate authority over man-kind – Acts 5:29

III. What role does Christ play in our prayers?

A. He teaches us to pray – Matt. 6:9-13; John 17
B. He is our Mediator; our great High Priest – Heb. 4:14-16

IV. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our prayers?
A. He motivates and guides our prayers – Rom. 8:14-16; John 16:7-8
B. He intercedes on our behalf – Rom. 8:26-27

V. How should we approach God?

A. With reverence
B. With sincerity
C. With a submissive heart attitude
D. With faith
E. Obediently

VI. What should be the contents of our prayers?

A. Prayers of faith
B. Prayers according to God's will
C. Prayers that conform to the Word of God

VII. Why do we pray?

A. It is necessary – 1 Thess. 5:17; James 5:16
B. It is effective – Phil. 4:6-7

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)