Prayer What is Prayer Does Prayer Work Does

Prayer What is Prayer? Does Prayer Work?

Does Prayer Work? • God always answers prayer but the answers might not be in the way we expect. • God answers prayer in three ways, “yes” “no” or, “not yet” • Does God always answer prayer?

Does Prayer Work? • There are times in our lives when we pray regardless of whether or not we believe in God. • Before an exam, before a plane crashes, on a deathbed, when a loved one is sick. • Does everybody pray?

Does Prayer Work? • Does prayer just have a placebo affect? • Does the act of praying have a psychological affect on the person praying and / or the person being prayed for? • Are the effects of prayer real?

Does Prayer Work? • Prayer changes external factors like the weather. • The prayers of Joshua and Elijah both affected the weather. • Can prayer cause miracles?

Does Prayer Work? • People are changed inwardly when they pray because they become closer to God. • The more you pray the better you know God therefore the more like him you become. • Does prayer change people?

Does Prayer Work? • Is answered prayer just a matter of coincidence? • A man was asked that and in reply said, “I don’t know but when I pray there a lot more coincidences than when I don’t”

Does Prayer Work? • Mother Theresa was asked what she said to God when she prayed. She replied, “I don’t say anything, I just listen. ” She was then asked, “well what does God say to you? ” to which she answered, “He doesn’t say anything, He just listens. ”

What is the purpose of prayer? 1. 2. 3. 4. To ask for help, strength or guidance To give thanks for someone To confess sins To feel closer to God and develop a relationship with him 5. To meditate in worship 6. To follow Jesus’ example 7. To bring comfort in times of need