What is prayer?

Answer 1

Prayer is worshipful address to the true God, or to false gods. Mere speech to God is not necessarily prayer, as is seen in the judgment in Eden and in the case of Cain. (Ge 3:8-13; 4:9-14) Prayer involves devotion, trust, respect, and a sense of dependence on the one to whom the prayer is directed. The various Hebrew and Greek words relating to prayer convey such ideas as to ask, make request, petition, entreat, supplicate, plead, beseech, beg, implore favor, seek, inquire of, as well as to praise, thank, and bless.

I am including a link that helps us to learn how we should pray in order to he heard by God.
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1996/7/15/how_should_we_pray.htm

Answer 2

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7: 7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
There are many passages in the N.T. that teach the duty of prayer (e.g., Matt. 7: 7; Matt. 26: 41; Luke 18: 1; Luke 21: 36; Eph. 6: 18; Philip. 4: 6; Col. 4: 2; 1 Thes. 5: 17, 25; 1 Tim. 2: 1, 8). Christians are taught to pray in Christ’s name (John 14: 13-14; John 15: 7, 16; John 16: 23-24). We pray in Christ’s name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ - when his words abide in us (John 15: 7). We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ’s name at all; they in no way represent his mind, but spring out of the selfishness of man’s heart.

Answer 3

Prayer is an effort to communicate with God, or to another deity or spirit, either to offer praise, to make a request, or simply to express one's thoughts and emotions. Approaches The great spiritual traditions offer a veritable treasure trove of devotional acts.

Answer 4

It is a silent wish that your heart makes to God. There are many kinds of prayer as the following, but not limited to the following are: praise, intercessory, healing and united.

Answer 5

Our way of talking to God. We ask for things, give praise, worship and hear from God through prayers. Prayer is as life sustaining as air, we need it to survive! Pray, be heard, be answered, be awed, and be near to your maker! God Bless!

Answer 6

this is my interpretation of prayer and should not be reflective of any previous doctrinal teachings by any denomination.

Prayer, to me, is an open dialogue with the one I consider to be the LOVER OF MY SOUL! It is an opportunity to tell Him about my day---though He never slumbers and sleeps---He wants me to tell Him what is important. He loves to hear from His kids and I take the time morning, noon and night to let Him know He is still in control and that I love to see His handiwork. I thank Him for His provision, His love, His compassion, His forgiveness, His omnipotents, His generosity, His healing hands.

Prayer is one long "thank you" and then I ask Him if there is anything I can do for Him. And He lets me know that He expects me to forgive others when they sin against me, that He expects me to LOVE His creation. He asks that I not harbor hatred for anyone. He gives me my daily provisions. He blesses me with His attention. THAT is what prayer means to me.

Answer 7

An attempt to rally the collective conciousness of humanity to a specific cause and channel the resulting energy. Boy what a New Age thought...pretty novel...PEACE!

Answer 8

Talking to God. Some people do this in the morning, or when they go to bed at night. They like to think that it is their "private time" with the Lord.

Answer 9

Taking a time to talk with God like you would with a friend....except that you know that He REALLY does care and you have his undivided love and attention.

Answer 10

Telling the God of the universe what's on your mind. He really does care about you!