Biblical Answer

The Bible teaches us that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life. Throughout the Bible, we see that prayer is not just a means of getting things for ourselves, but rather a way of nourishing the life of God within us. In the Old Testament, we see examples of holy men of God who prayed at stated times, such as in the morning and at meals (Daniel 6:10, Acts 10:9, 30). In the New Testament, we are taught to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and to talk to God like we talk to a friend, little by little discovering that He is hearing and answering our prayers (Philippians 4:6-7).

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of praying with faith, which means trust or dependence on God. Prayer by definition is a direct personal request to God for His intervention, whether it be for healing, raising the dead, or simply asking for grace and strength to live our separate lives. Jesus Christ himself encouraged us to pray many times, and repeatedly modeled prayer for us. He taught us to pray in secret, and to not use vain repetitions as the heathen do (Matthew 6:6-7, 9). He also taught us to pray for our daily bread, and to forgive those who have wronged us (Matthew 6:11-12).

The Bible teaches us that prayer is a personal communion with a personal God, not an abstract force or a cosmic consciousness. Prayer is not just a means of getting things for ourselves, but rather a way of cultivating a deeper relationship with God. As we pray, we come to know God better, and we experience His presence and power in our lives. Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, and is essential for nourishing our spiritual lives and deepening our relationship with God. As we pray, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and goodness, and we are encouraged to trust in Him for all our needs. As Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7-8). We can have confidence that God will answer our prayers, and that He will provide for all our needs.