Bible Study: Why, When, and How to Pray
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Luke 18:1 “men ought always to pray, and not to faint”.
Or to say it in another way “...they should always pray and not give up.”

Introduction:

In the life of a Christian, understanding and engaging in the privilege of prayer is paramount. Prayer is more than just a request for help; it is communion, contact, and fellowship with God. Jesus emphasizes its importance through the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, reminding us that prayer is a universal privilege available to all.

Why Should We Pray?

1. Owing It to Ourselves: Prayer is essential for maintaining our new life in Christ (2 Peter 1:4). It empowers us to overcome sin, resist the enemy, and fulfil our Christian calling. Without prayer, we cannot become the Christians God desires us to be.
2. Owing It to Others: We have a responsibility to intercede for others. Our prayers can bring healing, relief, and salvation to those around us (1 Samuel 12:23). In times of need, our loved ones depend on our prayers.
3. Owing It to Our Lord: God has provided us with precious promises and boundless resources (Philippians 4:19). By praying, we honour His invitations to trust Him and draw upon His grace and power (John 14:13).

When Should We Pray?

The answer is simple: always! Prayer should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives:

1. Regular Stated Times: Like Daniel, who prayed regularly (Daniel 6:10), we should establish a habit of prayer (Psalm 55:17).
2. When Urged by the Holy Spirit: The Spirit guides us to pray for specific needs, often for individuals we hadn’t considered before (Romans 8:26-27).
3. In Times of Trouble: While some only pray during crises, God promises to be with us in our troubles (Psalm 50:15). Paul and Silas exemplified this during their imprisonment (Acts 16:25).
4. In Special Needs: We should pray when we face specific challenges (Acts 12:5; James 5:13-15).
5. With Others: While private prayer is important, united prayer has great value (Matthew 18:19-20). The early church frequently gathered in prayer (Acts 1:13-14).

How Should We Pray?

Luke 18 provides us with essential lessons on the manner of our prayers:

1. With Humility: Like the publican, we should approach God with confidence in Christ’s merit, not our own righteousness (Luke 18:10-13). God hears the humble.
2. Persistently: We must pray without losing heart, as illustrated by the persistent widow. If an unjust judge can be moved, how much more will God respond to our earnest prayers (Luke 18:1-8)?
3. With Child-like Simplicity: Our prayers should reflect the trust of a child approaching a loving father (Luke 18:16-17). Prayer is meant to be simple and accessible; nothing is too great or too small for God’s attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prayer is not only a vital practice but a profound privilege that shapes our relationship with God, empowers our walk in faith, and extends His grace to others. Are we actively engaging in this powerful act of communion with our Creator?