PRAYER

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Table of Contents

Key Verse

Have = possessionability,  can(+ -not), X conceivediseasedeat, + enjoy, + fear,  + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick

In other words, we do not possess, have ability, enjoy, recover, reign, rest etc because we do not ask. And we are diseased, have fear, are sick etc because we do not ask.

GOD hears prayer

  • I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Psalm 116:1 NASB
  • O You who hear prayer, To You all men come. Psalm 65:2 NASB
  • this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us1 John 5:14-15 NKJV
  • The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cryPsalm 34:15 NKJV
Other versions
 
  • this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. 1 John 5:14-15 AMPC

How our Prayer is to GOD

  • the prayer of the upright is His delight2. Proverbs 15:8 BSB
  • Let my prayer be counted as incense before You Psalm 141:2 AMP
  • when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Revelation 5:8 NKJV
  • “FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE [looking favorably] UPON THE RIGHTEOUS (the upright), AND HIS EARS ARE ATTENTIVE TO THEIR PRAYER (eager to answer) 1 Peter 3:12 AMP

Hinderances to prayer

  • your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 NKJV
  • If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened Psalm 66:18 NIV 1984
Other versions
 

These are not reasons to despair and to not pray. Ask God for forgiveness and then pray. See also 

  • If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NKJV

The Prayer GOD Always Hears

There is one prayer that God will always answer: A sinner’s repentant prayer; even if it is the vilest sinner!

Examples

  • Ahab: (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,  “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” 1 Kings 21:25-29 ESV
  • Cain: Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” “Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him. Genesis 4:13-15 BSB

God will hear a sinner’s prayer for forgiveness

  • If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NKJV
  • Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5 NIV 
Other versions

  • If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. 1 John 1:9 AMP

Blanket Prayer Promises

  • Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 AMP
  • If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14 NASB
  • whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. John 16:23 NKJV
Other versions
 
  • if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. John 16:23 NASB

Answered Prayer source of Joy

  • Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and completeJohn 16:24 AMPC
Other versions

  • Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete. John 16:24 AMP

How To Pray

A1. Pray in Advance

Example 1
 
  • Jesus: When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He said, “I command you to come out and never enter him again.” After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out… After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer and fasting.” Mark 5:25-26,28-29 BSB

Jesus cast out the evil spirit with just a few words. When His disciples asked Him why they could not cast out the evil spirit, His reply would imply that His time in prayer and fasting earlier enabled Him to do what they could not. 

Example 2

  • Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. John 11:41 BSB

This passage said in the context of Lazarus being raised from the dead would imply that the Lord Jesus had prayed in advance for him (Lazarus) to be raised from the dead and His getting the assurance before the actual event happened. 

Example 3

  • In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles Luke 6:12-13 BSB

Before choosing His disciples, He spent the night in prayer.

Example 4

  • Nehemiah: When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 NIV 1984
  • The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king … It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time…. And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. Nehemiah 2:2-8 NIV 1984
Nehemiah had prayed earlier for a longer period of time, so when the the King asked him, he was able to do a quick prayer and make several requests, all of which were granted by the King.

A2. Pray with Agreement

  • “Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 AMP
Examples

  • When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 NKJV
  • Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church… Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. Acts 12:5,16-17 ESV

A3. Pray and ...

1. Command

  •  But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Acts 9:40 NKJV

2. Do

  • Prayer: David was told, “Ahithophel [your counselor] is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “O Lord, I pray You, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” 2 Samuel 15:31 AMP
  • Doing: But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in the past, so I will be your servant now;’ then you can thwart (make useless) the advice of Ahithophel for me. 2 Samuel 15:34 AMP
  • Outcome: Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to thwart the good advice of Ahithophel, so that the Lord could bring disaster upon Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14 AMP

3. Lay Hands

  • And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on themActs 6:5-6 BSB
  • They came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for He had not yet fallen on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus [as His possession]. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them [one by one], and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:15-17 AMP
  • And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and
    dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him
    and healed him. Acts 28:8 NKJV
See also 

  • These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak in new tongues; they
    will pick up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not
    hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.” 
    Mark 16:17-18 AMP

B1. Pray Believing

  • For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. Mark 11:24 AMPC
  • without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 BSB
Other versions
 
  • But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

C1. Pray with Confession

  • While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain— while I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. Daniel 9:20-21 BSB
  • please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You, day and night, on behalf of Your servants, the sons (descendants) of Israel (Jacob), confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have committed against You; I and my father’s house have sinned. Nehemiah 1:6 AMP

C2. Pray with Confidence

  • Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 BSB
  • Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14 NKJV
  • Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:21-22 NKJV
Other versions
 
  • This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him. 1 John 5:14-15 AMP

See examples of those who prayed with confidence 

  • David: The LORD will hear when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 NKJV
  • Jesus: I knew that You always hear Me and listen to Me; but I have said this because of the people standing around, so that they may believe that You have sent Me [and that You have made Me Your representative].” John 11:42 AMP
Other versions
 
  • The LORD hears and responds when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 AMP

C3. Pray Continually

  • pray continually 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
  • Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart Luke 18:1 AMP
  • Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5 KJV
  • Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. Ephesians 6:18 BSB

Other versions 

  • With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people. Ephesians 6:18 AMP

Examples of those who prayed continually

  • Apostles: we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 NKJV
  • Paul: I thank God that I speak in [unknown] tongues more than all of you 1 Corinthians 14:18 AMP

E1. Pray bringing your enemies before GOD

  • Incline Your ear, LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, LORD, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to taunt the living God.
    2 Kings 19:16 NASB
  • And now, Lord, observe their threats [take them into account] and grant that Your bond-servants may declare Your message [of salvation] with great confidence Acts 4:29 AMP
Simile

  • And Esther said, If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the dinner that I have prepared for the king. Esther 5:4 AMPC
  • And Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” So Haman was terrified before the king and queen. Esther 7:6 NKJV

E2. Pray Expectantly

  • In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. Psalm 5:3 AMP
  • he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
  • “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you … For everyone who keeps on asking receives Matthew 7:7-8 AMP
  • But know that the LORD has set apart the godly person for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 NASB

Read: GOD SPEAKS

F1. Pray with Fasting

  • this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:37 NKJV
  • Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them [in approval and dedication] and sent them away [on their first journey]. Acts 13:3 AMP
  • You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on highaIsaiah 58:4 NIV

aThis verse suggests that fasting correctly can get GOD’s attention.
Read: FASTING

F2. Pray Fervently

  • The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. James 5:16 AMP
  • “But now, do indeed plead for God’s favor, so that He will be gracious to us. Malachi 1:9 NASB
  • Pour out your heart before Him. Psalm 62:8 AMP
Other versions
 
  • “But now entreat God’s favor, That He may be gracious to us. Malachi 1:9 NKJV
  • The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16 AMPC
  • The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 NKJV
  • The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV 1984
  • The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerfulJames 5:16 NAB

To summarise, James 5:16 reads “The heartfelt continued prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”.

Examples

  • Jesus: And being in agony, He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. Luke 22:44 NASB
  • Jacob: Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; He wept and implored His favor. Hosea 12:4 NASB
  • Hannah: In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. … I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:10,15 NIV 
  • The Church (Believers): Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him. Acts 12:5 BSB

    F3. Pray Frequently

    • But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:16 NASB
    • Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he went into his house (now in his roof chamber his windows were open toward Jerusalem); he continued to get down on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Daniel 6:10 AMP

    G1. Pray to GOD The Father

    • whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. John 16:23 NKJV
    Other versions
     
    • if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. John 16:23 NASB

    M1. Pray Much

    • Isaac prayed much to the Lord for his wife … Genesis 25:21 AMPC
    • In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears1 Samuel 1:10 BSB
    • Now it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer with God. Luke 6:12 NASB

    P1. Pray with Perseverance

    • Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you … For everyone who keeps on asking receives Matthew 7:7-8 AMP
    • be unceasing and persistent in prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP
    • Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart Luke 18:1 AMP
    • as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the Lord our God, Until He has mercy on us. Psalm 123:2 NKJV
    • Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly] 1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP

    Examples: 

    • Daniel: At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. Daniel 10:2-3 NIV
    • Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. Daniel 10:12 NKJV
    • Elijah: Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bent down to the earth and put his face between his knees. 1 Kings 18:42 NKJV
    • seven times he said, “Go again.” Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” 1 Kings 18:43-44 NKJV
    • Parable about the persistent widow: Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge. Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Luke 18:1-8 BSB
    Other versions 

    • Yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will defend and protect and avenge her, lest she give me intolerable annoyance and wear me out by her continual coming or at the last she come and rail on me or assault me or  strangle meLuke 18:5 AMPC

    Persevere definition: “continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indication of success.”  Reference: Oxford Languages. Link HERE

    P2. Pray till Prayed Through

    Praying Through refers to praying either till

    1. you get the assurance that God has heard your Prayer or
    2. till you get the answer in the physical realm.

    In the context of this study, we look at the former i.e. Inner Assurance before Actual Physical event.
    Watch: Praying through
    Read: Praying Through

    Key Verses

    • as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till He has mercy upon us. Psalm 123:2 ESV
    • The LORD hears and responds3 when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 AMP
    • On the day I called, You answered4 me; You made me bold with strength in my soul. Psalm 138:3 NASB
    • Leave me, all you who practice injustice, For the Lord has heard5 the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my pleading, The Lord receives my prayer. All my enemies will6 be put to shame and greatly horrified; They shall turn back, they will suddenly be put to shame. Psalm 6:8-10 NASB
    • But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Psalm 66:19 NKJV

    Read: No Favouritism

    Example 1

    • Lazarus: Now a man named Lazarus was sick… So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” … After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” … Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again.”  … Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard7 me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. John 11:1-44 BSB

    The above statements would suggest that Jesus got assurance from God the Father beforehand that Lazarus would be raised from the dead. Could this not be the reason that He stayed back when He heard that Lazarus was sick? i.e. to Pray Through

    Example 2

    • Ezra: And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him. So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request… We set out from the river Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He rescued us from the hand of the enemy and those who lay in ambushes along the way. Ezra 8:21-23 BSB & 8:31 AMP

    The above passages suggest that Ezra got assurance from God beforehand that they would have a safe journey, though the journey happened only later.

    Example 3

    • Hannah: But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sadSo it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:15-20 NKJV
    Hannah “went away” and was “no longer sad” as she knew her prayer had been heard i.e. Prayed Through.

    P3. Pray so that Power may be Replenished

    • When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up through the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she kept saying, “If only I touch His garments, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction. At once Jesus was aware that power had gone out from Him. Turning to the crowd, He asked, “Who touched My garments?” Mark 5:27-30 BSB 
    • However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So8 He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayedLuke 5:15-16 NKJV
    In the above passages, putting two and two together, one could possibly infer that when people got healed, power left the Lord Jesus which He got replenished through prayer.

    P4. Pray while in God's Presence

    • On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said to God: … Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?” 2 Chronicles 1:7-10 NKJV
    • Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner courtyard of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace. When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the courtyard, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter. Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.” Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” Esther 5:1-5 NASB
    • So the king and Haman came to dine with Esther the queenAnd
      the king said again to Esther on the second day when wine was being
      served, What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted. And
      what is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be
      performed. 
      Then Queen Esther said, If I have found favor in your sight, O king and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition and my
      people at my request. 
      Esther 7:1-3 AMPC
    Esther approaching the King was preceded by
     
    • Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants also will fast in the same way. And then I will go in to the king, which is not in accordance with the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:15-16 NASB

    See also

    • Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. Hebrews 4:16 NASB
    Enter Presence through Worship.
    Read: WORSHIP 
    Read: PRESENCE
    Read: FASTING

    P5. Pray Prioritising

    • Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Daniel 2:17-18 BSB

    Q1. Pray Quoting GOD's Name

    • Asa cried9 to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.” 2 Chronicles 14:11 ESV
    Cried = properly address by {name}
    E.g. Pray quoting Jehovah Jireh when praying regarding finances.

    R1. Pray "Reminding" God

    • Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. Isaiah 38:2-5 NKJV
    • On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; All day and all night they will never keep silent. You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves Isaiah 62:6 NASB 1977

    S1. Pray using Scripture Examples

    Key Verses:
    • For God shows no partiality [no arbitrary favoritism; with Him one person is not more important than another]. Romans 2:11 AMP
    • Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism Acts 10:34 BSB
    • For the LORD your God is the God of all gods, the LORD of all lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who does not show favoritism or take bribes. Deuteronomy 10:17 ISV

    Read: No Favouritism

    Example:

    • Lady healed touching hem of His garment: suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. Matthew 9:20-22 NKJV
    • Others healed touching hem of His garment: when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. Matthew 14:36 NKJV

    He healed a lady who touched the hem of his garment. Later on others were healed touching the hem of his garment. What God did for anyone else, He can do for you. Find scripture verses that pertain to what you want that God did for others and ask the same for yourself. See examples below:

    • Full Life Span & Health: Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. Deuteronomy 34:7 NKJV
    • Deliverence from enemies: Then David spoke to the LORD the words of this song, on the day when the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 Samuel 22:1 NKJV

    S2. Pray using Scripture Promises

    While praying, use promises God has given. See below

    • This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him. 1 John 5:14-15 AMP

    S3. Pray in Secret

    • But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.“ Matthew 6:6 NASB
    See example
     
    • And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Matthew 14:23 NKJV
    • And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Mark 6:46-47 NKJV
    • But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion]. Luke 5:16 AMP
    • Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles Luke 6:12-13 NKJV

    S4. Pray Specifically

    • First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMP
    • With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people. Ephesians 6:18 AMP

    See examples

    • In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will]. Hebrews 5:7 AMP
    • Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” … For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my request which I asked of Him. 1 Samuel 1:11 NKJV & 1:27 NASB
    • He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves Luke 11:5 NKJV

    T1. Pray with Tenacity

    Examples

    • Shunammite woman: Now when she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of God said, “Let her alone; for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me, and has not told me.”…The mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her2 Kings 4:27 NKJV & 4:30 NASB
    • Epaphras: He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. Colossians 4:12 BSB
    • Jacob: Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day..And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”

      But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” Genesis 32:24,26 NKJV

    How Jacob wrestled:

    • Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. Hosea 12:4 NKJV
    • Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; He wept and implored His favor. Hosea 12:4 NASB

    T2. Pray with Tongues

    • if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays 1 Corinthians 14:14 AMP
    • I will pray with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] 1 Corinthians 14:15 AMP
    • But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. Jude 20-21 NASB
    Read: TONGUES

    W1. Pray with Words & Tongues

    • For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive [because it does not understand what my spirit is praying]. Then what am I to do? I will pray with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will pray with the mind [using words I understand]; I will sing with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will sing with the mind [using words I understand]. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 AMP

    Pray in your language alternating with tongues.

    Y1. Pray Yourself

    • On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: … Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.” Isaiah 37:1-4 BSB
    In the above verses, King Hezekiah asks Prophet Isaiah to pray. But see verses below:
     
    • So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: …
    • Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: …
    • Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place. Isaiah 37:14-15, 21-22, 36-38 BSB

    In the latter verses, Hezekiah prayed to GOD himself (GOD specifically says this when He replies). This resulted in not just Isaiah giving a prophesy but in GOD destroying 185,000 Assyrians. 
    Read the same account in 2 Kings 19 BSB2 Chronicles 32:20-21 AMP
    It’s good if we can get others to pray for us. Better still if we can pray ourselves.

    Kinds of Prayer

    • Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. Ephesians 6:18 BSB

    As suggested above, there are different kinds of prayer; few examples given below

    1. Supplication

    • Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication10, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

    Examples

    • Jesus: In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Hebrews 5:7 NASB
    • Psalmist: I love the LORD, because He hears [and continues to hear] My voice and my supplications11 (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs). Psalm 116:1 AMP
    Read: TEARS

    2. Groanings

    • Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 NKJV

    3. Intercession

    • With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people. Ephesians 6:18 AMP
    Examples

    • Moses: Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” Exodus 32:32 NKJV
    • Job: So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.” Job 42:8 BSB

    Levels of Prayer

    Context: Israelites war against Benjamites.
    3 Days – 3 Approaches – 3 Outcomes.
    Read full passage: Judges 20:18-35 AMPC

    1. Asking

    • Day 1: The Israelites arose and went up to the house of God [Bethel] and asked counsel of God and said, Which of us shall take the lead to battle against the Benjamites? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up first.
    • Outcome: The Benjamites came forth out of Gibeah and felled to the ground that day 22,000 men of the Israelites.
    Day 1: Defeated by enemies.

    2. Supplication

    • Day 2: And the Israelites went up and wept before the Lord until evening and asked of the Lord, Shall we go up again to battle against our brethren the Benjamites? And the Lord said, Go up against them.
    • Outcome: And Benjamin went forth out of Gibeah against them the second day and felled to the ground the Israelites again, 18,000 men, all of whom were swordsmen.
    Day 2: Defeated by enemies – less casualties.
    Supplication here implied as meaning prayer with weeping.
    Read: Supplication

    3. Supplication + Fasting + Offerings

    • Day 3: Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up and came to the house of God [Bethel] and wept; and they sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings12 and peace offerings13 before the Lord. 
    • Outcome: And the Lord overcame Benjamin before Israel, and the Israelites destroyed of the Benjamites that day 25,100 men, all of whom were swordsmen. 
    Day 3: Defeated enemies.
    Conclusion: It was only when the Israelites went before GOD with Supplication, Fasting & Offerings that they were able to defeat the Benjamites.
    Both burnt and peace offerings refer to sacrifices (See superscripts)
    Read: FASTING 
    Read: OFFERINGS 
    Read: SACRIFICE

    Prayer Combinations

    • if My people who are called by My name will humble14 themselves, and pray15 and seek16 My face, and turn17 from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
    • While I was still speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, while I was still speaking in prayer and extremely exhausted, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me about the time of the evening sacrifice. Daniel 9:20-21 AMP
    • Now while Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and laying himself face down before the house of God, a very large group from Israel, of men, women, and children, gathered to him, for the people wept bitterly. Ezra 10:1 AMP

    Prayer Transforms Us

    • Jesus: As He was praying, the appearance of His face became different [actually transformed], and His clothing became white and flashing with the brilliance of lightning. Luke 9:26 AMP
    • Moses: When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hand, he did not know that the skin of his face was shining [with a unique radiance] because he had been speaking with God. Exodus 34:29 AMP
    Jesus’s appearance changed as He was praying. We can all pray to God.
    Moses’s face shone because he had been speaking with God.
     

    Granted Prayer

    • For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. Mark 11:24 AMPC
    Granted Now. Received Later. So keep on Praying. 
    Read: Pray with Perseverance

    While praying, use promises God has given. See below

    • This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him. 1 John 5:14-15 AMP
    The essence of the above passage is that for things we know to be definitely GOD’s will e.g. Health, Protection, Prosperity etc, if we pray for these, they are granted to us and by persevering in prayer we can get them.
    Read: GRANTED NOW – RECEIVED LATER 
    Read: Pray till Prayed Through

    Posture In Prayer

    1. Kneeling in Prayer

    • Come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. Psalm 95:6 NASB 1977
    • When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Daniel 6:10 ESV
    • He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray Luke 22:41 NASB
    • Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Acts 9:40 NKJV

    2. Lifting up hands in Prayer

    • Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2 NKJV
    • I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands 1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV
    See examples

    • So Moses left the city from his meeting with Pharaoh, and spread
      out his hands to the LORD
      ; and the thunder and the hail stopped, and
      rain no longer poured on the earth. Exodus 9:33 NASB
    • As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. Exodus 17:11 BSB

    3. Kneeling and Lifting Hands

    • And so it was, when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD, that he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. 1 Kings 8:54 NKJV
    • at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God Ezra 9:5 ESV

    God will still hear all sincere prayers irrespective of posture. See below

    • Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD Isaiah 38:2 NASB
    • “O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. Genesis 24:12-13 BSB
    • When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 BSB

    GOD answers even "casual' prayers ...

    • Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!” But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. Genesis 17:17-20 BSB
    • I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Psalm 116:1 NASB 1995
    Other versions
     
    • I love the LORD, because He hears [and continues to hear] My voice and my supplications18 (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs). Psalm 116:1 AMP

    One could say that Abraham was saying this prayer out of frustration.
    Here David by “voice” is talking about “non intense” prayers; contrast with “supplications” mentioned in the same verse being an example of intense prayer.
    GOD answers even “casual’ prayers especially from those who walk with Him.

    Reasons for Lack

    1. Not Asking

    • You do not have19 because you do not ask. James 4:2 NASB
    • So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to
      your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good
      things to those who ask HimMatthew 7:11 NASB
    See example
     
    • But he said to his father, ‘Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never neglected or disobeyed your command. Yet you have never given me [so much as] a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends Luke 15:29 AMP
    • The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. Luke 15:31 AMP
    The above example suggests that the older son could have asked for or taken whatever he needed. Asking is a prerequisite of Heaven. (Matthew 7:11 NASB)

    2. Not asking GOD

    • They do not cry out to Me from their heart When they wail on their beds [in unbelieving despair] Hosea 7:14 AMP

    What to Pray

    1. "For" GOD

    • GOD Himself: My heart and my flesh cry out for the living GodPsalm 84:2 NKJV
    • Holy Spirit: If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13 NKJV
    Psalm 84:2 NKJV: Note that here, David is praying “for” God (not “to” God).
    Read: SEEK GOD

    2. Family

    • Spouse: Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife Genesis 25:21 NKJV
    • Children: “Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children Lamentations 2:19 ESV
    Read: CHILDREN

    3. Other things

    • Souls: Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. Psalm 2:8 NKJV
    • Prophetic words: For the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker says this, “Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And give Me orders concerning the work of My hands. Isaiah 45:11 AMP
    • Good things: So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to
      your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good
      things
       to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11 NASB
    • Authorities: First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 AMP

    Other versions

    • Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Would you question Me about things to come concerning My children, and concerning the work of My hands [would you] command Me? Isaiah 45:11 AMPC

    Ask GOD to help you ask

    • You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. James 4:3 AMP
    Example of asking GOD to ask for right things

    • The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king … It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time…. And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. Nehemiah 2:2-8 NIV 1984

    See also 

    • Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. Esther 2:15 BSB
    We need wisdom to ask for the right things.

    Dare to ask for the "Impossible"

    • Is anything too difficult or too wonderful for the Lord? Genesis 18:14 AMP
    • ‘Oh, Lord GOD! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You Jeremiah 32:17 NASB
    • For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 AMP

    Examples

    • Joshua: Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day when the Lord handed over the Amorites to the sons of Israel, and Joshua said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand still at Gibeon, And moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation [of Israel] took vengeance upon their enemies. Is it not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stood still in the middle of the sky and was in no hurry to go down for about a whole day. There has not been a day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to (heeded) the voice of a man; for the Lord was fighting for Israel. Joshua 10:12-14 AMP
    • Elijah: Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. Then he cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, by causing her son to die?” Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!” And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived. 1 Kings 17:19-22 BSB
    This was the first recorded raising of the dead.
    These examples demonstrate that you do not need precedence (it having happened before) for God to do something altogether new for you. 

    The Power of One Man's Prayer

    • Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops. James 5:17-18 BSB
    • So Jehoahaz pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. Then the Lord gave Israel a deliverer, so that they escaped from under the hand of the Syrians; and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents as before. 2 Kings 13:4-5 NKJV
    • And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.” Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God … So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people. Exodus 32:9-14 NKJV
    • They forgot God their Savior, who did great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. Psalm 106:21-23 BSB
    One man’s prayer can change a nation’s destiny.

    Devotion to Prayer

    See examples
     
    • David: I am a man of prayer. Psalm 109:4 BSB
    • Paul: I thank God that I speak in [strange] tongues (languages) more than any of you or all of you put together 1 Corinthians 14:18 AMPC
    • Apostles: we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 NASB
    • Anna: did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and dayLuke 2:37 NKJV

    Other versions

    • I thank my God I speak with tongues more than20 you all 1 Corinthians 14:18 NKJV
    • She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and prayingLuke 2:37 BSB
    • we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 NKJV

    House of Prayer

    • Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” Luke 19:45-46 NKJV
    Other versions

    • Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV

    Our body the temple of GOD

    Quick Answer to Prayer

    1. While praying

    Promise

    • It shall also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hearIsaiah 65:24 AMP
    Examples
     
    • Eliezer: Before Eliezer had finished speaking (praying), Rebekah came out with her [water] jar on her shoulder. Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. Genesis 24:15 AMP
    • Daniel: While I was still speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, while I was still speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering. Daniel 9:20-21 NASB

    2. Same day

    Promise

    • Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15 AMP
    Examples
     
    • David: On the day I called, You answered me; And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life. Psalm 138:3 AMP
    • Samuel: I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. 1 Samuel 12:17-18 BSB
    • Hezekiah: Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyardthe word of the LORD came to him, saying, “Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. 2 Kings 20:2-5 BSB
    • Elijah: Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:18 NASB
    • Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down upon the earth and put his face between his knees … In a little while, the heavens were black with wind-swept clouds, and there was a great rain. 1 Kings 18:42&45 AMPC

    Praying for quick answer

    • But I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40:17 NKJV
    • But I am poor and needy; Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. Psalm 70:5 NKJV 
    • A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Psalm 141:1 NKJV
    • O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” Daniel 9:19 NKJV

    Key to quick answer to Prayer

    • And will not [our just] God defend and avenge His elect [His chosen ones] who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [in providing justice] on their behalf? I tell you that He will defend and avenge them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7-8 AMP
    Persistent Fervent Prayer results in Quick Answer to Prayer.

    Pray & see the outcome in the Physical realm

    • As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. Exodus 17:11 BSB

    As long as Moses held up his hands (in prayer; see below), Israel saw victory.

    Journey of Prayer

    • Let my prayer come before You and enter into Your presence; Incline Your ear to my cry!  Psalm 88:2 AMP

    Make Time to Pray

    • Then King David went in and sat [in prayer] before the LORD 2 Samuel 7:18 AMP
    • Now at this time Jesus went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 AMP

    Prayer Essential

    • Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NASB
    • Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23 NKJV
    Other versions
     
    • Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NKJV

    Prophylactic Prayer

    • I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. John 17:15 AMP
    • he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early daysDaniel 6:10 NKJV 
    Other versions
     
    • he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and offering
      praise before his God, just as he had been doing previously. Daniel 6:10 NASB
    Pray to avoid crisis situations not just if or when crisis situations arise.

    Songs

    Footnotes

    1. 2192 ἔχω [E)/XW] {échō} \ekh'-o\ including an alternate form σχέω[SXE/W] {schéō} \skheh'-o\ (used in certain tenses only) a primary verb;to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possessionability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use
    2. 7522 רצן רצון [râtsôn râtsôn] \{raw-tsone'} raw-tsone'\ From 7521; delight: - (be) acceptable ({-ance} {-ed}) {delight} {desire} {favour} (good) {pleasure} ({own} {self} voluntary) {will} as . . . (what) would.
      7521 רצה [râtsâh] \raw-tsaw'\ A primitive root; to be pleased with; specifically to satisfy a debt: - (be) accept ({-able}) {accomplish} set {affection} {approve} consent {with} delight ({self}) {enjoy} ({be} have a) favour ({-able}) {like} {observe} {pardon} ({be} {have} take) please ({-ure}) reconcile self.
    3. The surest way of knowing that anyone has heard us is our getting a response from them.
    4. If He responded to David, He is "obliged" to respond to you.
    5. heard = past tense implying already received inner assurance.
    6. will/shall = future tense implying actual event yet to happen in the future.
    7. What prayer is Jesus alluding to here when He says "heard"? Prayer to GOD for Lazarus.
    8. 1161 δέ [DE/] {dé} \deh\ a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
    9. 7121 קרא [qârâ'] \kaw-raw'\primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (that {is} properly address by {name} but used in a wide variety of applications
    10. 1162 δέησις [DE/HSIS] {déēsis} \deh'-ay-sis\ from 1189; a petition:--prayer, request, supplication. 1189 δέομαι [DE/OMAI] {déomai} \deh'-om-ahee\ middle voice of 1210; to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition:--beseech, pray (to), make request. Compare 4441.
    11. 8469 תּחנוּנה תּחנוּן [tachănûn tachănûnâh] \{takh-an-oon'} takh-an-oo-naw'\ From 2603; earnest prayer: - {intreaty} supplication.
    12. 5930 עולה עלה [‛ôlâh ‛ôlâh] \{o-law'} o-law'\ Feminine active participle of 5927; a step or (collectively {stairs} as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke): - {ascent} burnt offering ({sacrifice}) go up to. See also 5766.
    13. 8002 שׁלם [shelem] \sheh'-lem\
      From 7999; properly {requital} that {is} a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks: - peace offering.
    14. Read: FASTING
    15. Read: PRAYER
    16. Read: SEEK GOD
    17. Read: REPENTANCE
    18. 8469 תּחנוּנה תּחנוּן [tachănûn tachănûnâh] \{takh-an-oon'} takh-an-oo-naw'\ From 2603; earnest prayer: - {intreaty} supplication.
    19. 2192 ἔχω [E)/XW] {échō} \ekh'-o\ including an alternate form σχέω [SXE/W] {schéō} \skheh'-o\ (used in certain tenses only) a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possessionability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
    20. This would imply that he was speaking in tongues all the time. Probably the secret of Paul’s spirituality and fruitfulness.