Prayer Do I really know how to pray? Prayer: What it is and What it is not. What is prayer? According to the Oxford Dictionary, prayer is a solemn request for help OR expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship What prayer is not. It is not a recitation, a vending machine or a wish. What it is. A direct Line of communication with our heavenly sovereign Father. Instant access. To heavily places. Instant answers? Rarely. But often enough. Because his answers and his timing are perfect, regardless of our expectations or wants.God calls us to pray in every situation Philippians 4:6, without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and without giving up in Luke 18:1 Why Pray? Because it is: It is cleansing. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. James 5:16 It is healing. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds. Phillipians 4:7 It is a Promise. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 It is Hope. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Matthew 21:22 We are commanded to: Ephesians 6:18 Paul tells us to pray at all times in the spirit” When and How do I pray? Well the big things come to mind: sickness, miraculous healing. Marriage, finances, your grandma, your job, your kids, that new car you really really want. But what if I told you when you pray, your pray full circle? Don't just pray for the bill to get paid. Pray for the full tithe for the church, pray for a change in your to receive that promotion with a pay raise or a new job opportunity that has those things. Pray with thanksgiving for the job you have now and the provision you have now. Pray for a renewed obedience in your finances. Pray for your spouse and their job. Cover every detail of that prayer. Leave no stone unturned in the detail you can expect from God. Our Prayer life should be full circle. What we want, need, desire, what we know is coming and for what we don’t know is to come. We must be prayed up in the Spirit at all times. Then we also need to be ready for whatever the answer. If you haven’t prayed about that part of your prayer, then you will almost always be disappointed in God’s timing and His answer. How did Jesus pray? Actionable Faith It is the belief that our faith grows when we put our faith into action. That we as believers in Christ can strengthen our trust in God through our actions in faith. If we are asking and praying for big things, we are going to be required to take leaps of faith, do big things and make moves. Trusting God and praying the entire time. You know I sometimes want to ask so badly How is your prayer life when talking with one of my sweet friends and they are ignoring the obvious and just distraught and frustrated about something. Transformational Moments: 1.How is your prayer life? 2. Are you ready to pray like Jesus? 3. What prayer should you be putting faith and action into?