8620 prayer, practicalities of

Scripture commends a life of prayer, characterised by simplicity of expression, sincerity of heart and trust in the promises of God. It gives guidance on how, when and where to pray.

Scripture stresses the importance of prayer

1Th 5:16-18 See also Ac 6:3-4; Ro 12:12

Judgment comes on those who do not pray

Ps 79:6 See also Ps 53:4; Jer 10:21; Zep 1:4-6; Jas 4:2

Prayers should be expressed simply

Mt 6:7-8 See also Ecc 5:1-3; Lk 18:9-14

Prayer should not be ostentatious

Mt 6:5-6 See also Mt 14:23 pp Mk 6:46; Lk 5:16

Physical positions for prayer

Sitting while praying 2Sa 7:18 See also Jdg 20:26; Ne 1:4

Kneeling while praying Lk 22:41 See also 1Ki 8:54; 2Ch 6:13; Ezr 9:5; Ac 9:40; Ac 21:5; Eph 3:14

Standing while praying 1Ki 8:22 See also 1Sa 1:26; Mk 11:25

Lying prostrate while praying 2Ch 20:18 See also Ge 24:52; Nu 20:6

Praying with arms outstretched Ex 9:29; Isa 1:15 See also 1Ki 8:54; 2Ch 6:13

Praying with hands raised 1Ti 2:8 See also Ex 9:29; 1Ki 8:22,54; Ps 63:4; Ps 77:1-2

Prayer can be offered at any time

Praying several times a day Da 6:10 See also Ps 55:17; Ps 88:1

Praying early in the morning Mk 1:35 See also Ps 5:3; Ps 119:147

Praying all night Lk 6:12 See also 1Sa 15:11; Lk 2:37

Prayer is not confined to any single place

Jn 4:21-24

Praying inside a building Da 6:10; Mt 6:6 See also 1Ki 8:28-30

Praying outside a building Mk 1:35; Lk 5:16 See also Ac 10:9; Ac 21:5

Prayer may be accompanied by fasting

Ac 13:2-3 See also Ezr 8:23; Ne 1:4; Ps 35:13; Da 9:3; Lk 2:37; Lk 5:33; Ac 14:23; Mt 17:21 fn pp Mk 9:29 fn

See also