One of the most important duties of the believer’s life is often the most neglected. Prayer is mentioned and taught many times in Scripture, and most people are at least familiar with the concept. But what really is prayer? What is its purpose? How often should we pray? Does God really answer prayers? Only 54% of mainline protestants pray daily. If we are the body of Christ – born-again believers – if the Holy Spirit Himself lives within, shouldn’t that number be higher?

In this brief devotional series, we will be exploring step-by-step what Scripture says prayer is – and how we should pray – so that we can have a solid, foundational, and Biblical understanding and rightly apply it to our lives the way God intends.

Our central passage will be Matthew 6:5-15. It will be beneficial to read this passage multiple times a day to help get it ingrained in your memory:

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

‭‭Matthew 6:5-15 NKJV

So, what is prayer? It can be defined simply as communicating with God. It\’s a two-way avenue of talking with the Father whether it be about your day, your burdens, your victories, His will for you, praising Him, etc. But it’s most important to understand prayer from the point of view of the Bible if you are to have a proper understanding of the purpose and method of prayer.

In our study together, it will be easiest to understand the “Four E’s of Prayer”:

  • The Expectation of Prayer
  • The Exception to Prayer
  • The Exhortation for Prayer
  • The Example of Prayer

Keep these in mind as we read together. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with our key passage in preparation for the study. D.L. Moody said, “If we pray without reading the Word, we shall be ignorant of the mind and will of God, and become mystical and fanatical, and liable to be blown about by every wind of doctrine.”