Questions about prayer

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M

Monika

Member
#1
Apr 25, 2021
49
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#1
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
 
posthuman

posthuman

Senior Member
#2
Jul 31, 2013
37,844
13,558
113
#2
Monika said:
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
Click to expand...
I think it was C.S. Lewis that said, 'prayer doesn't change God; prayer changes you'
 
M

Monika

Member
#3
Apr 25, 2021
49
33
18
#3
posthuman said:
I think it was C.S. Lewis that said, 'prayer doesn't change God; prayer changes you'
Click to expand...
I agree with that, I understand the importance of prayer in regards to talking to God about how you feel, your day, what He has done for us, asking for His guidance to help others, doing Bible study together and worship, but I don’t understand the specific point about about praying for others and the importance of it, it is always emphasised by people and don’t understand how it would change anything. How would a prayer change anything? Would He answer some prayers if it can be done or if it is in the best interest of the people at that point? For example off topic but I have been asking God in my moments of doubt to give me a sign or show Himself to me so I 100% know I’m on the right track and right religion and I have received no clear sign. That shows me even though I pray for something God might think differently about what is best or maybe another explanation which I cannot understand. Cross Examined on YouTube is really good, he answers many questions about Christianity.
 
CS1

CS1

Well-known member
#4
May 23, 2012
13,067
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#4
Monika said:
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
Click to expand...
what a great question.

First off let me say the reason why God would hear you is that HE loves you and his desire to speak to you through his word primarily.
You are in a relationship where God desires to have a dialogue with you. James says in chapter five the effectual fervent prayers of one in a right relationship with God carry much weight with HIM.

Jesus said to pray and gave the Modle of prayer known as The "Lord's prayer"
We must forgive if not our prayers are not heard. We must judge our selves and repent of sin and this can be done as we are told to

Heb 4:16
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.


God desires to speak with you and for you to speak with him. We must trust God when he says no, not yet, or wait.
You have all the FAITH YOU NEED. when you don't understand pray ask the Lord to help you understand AND wait for His answer then accept it.

Sometimes Christians think they have to have all the answers to every issue to give to others, saying we don't know is the best thing and trust God. I do many hospital visits and pray for the sick and pray with families. God has always been there and did what only He could do :).
 
posthuman

posthuman

Senior Member
#5
Jul 31, 2013
37,844
13,558
113
#5
Monika said:
For example off topic but I have been asking God in my moments of doubt to give me a sign or show Himself to me so I 100% know I’m on the right track and right religion and I have received no clear sign. That shows me even though I pray for something God might think differently about what is best or maybe another explanation which I cannot understand.
Click to expand...
It may be that He's teaching your heart to trust without needing or looking for signs, or that He's given you signs you haven't recognized.

One thing I have learned is that He does things according to His own timing, which is perfect, instead of mine, which is impatient :)
 
Pilgrimshope

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
#6
Sep 2, 2020
14,177
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#6
Monika said:
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
Click to expand...
“I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.”

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:5-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:21-22‬ ‭

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the point is faith comes by the word of Christ so complete understanding of prayer is found in the teachings of Jesus in the four accounts of the gospel of the kingdom

things we can learn that build faith are those things we can accept and believe in the gospel so understanding prayer is a part of the kingdoms teachings

some quick random examples

forgiveness in prayer

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:22-26‬ ‭

praying together

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Praying in the name of Jesus now that the gospel has appeared

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.”
‭‭John‬ ‭16:23-24, 26-28‬ ‭


To dwell in , consider and believe the gospel brother meaning the gospel of the kingdom Jesus taught like for one subject prayer , the answer you are seeking is found in hearing the gospel and abiding in the gospel until faith begins to take root and pours fresh water into your thirsty cup until it runners over

sorry for the length I believe your answer is found in believing and persevering in the belief the gospel creates there’s a seed time and harvest period we have to persevere when things aren’t adding up proof wise walk by faith the word creates but the word of the gospel is where the truth is found what Jesus preached when he was baptized until his death

“The law and the prophets were until John:

since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we hear and believe the gospel faith is being planted and if we persevere it will take root and begin to grow and bear fruit God bless you indeed seeking the lord may you find him ever more each day

sorry for calling you brother I just noticed your name sister
 
G

Godsgirl83

Guest
#7
#7
Monika said:
People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
Click to expand...
Have you ever told your children to wait....
or even "no"
Both are answers (even though the child may not like it)
 
phil36

phil36

Senior Member
#8
Feb 12, 2009
8,345
2,157
113
#8
Hi Monika,

I hear what you are saying. If God has already ordained what ever may be, why pray for anyone? And how can my prayer change anything? As you have noted it's to our benefit to pray to God in thanksgiving and gratitude etc. But what about praying for people?

The answer is the same as why do we evangelize? If God already knows who will be his (whatever way you may think this happens). God not only ordains whatever may be but the means, and he has graciously allowed his children to be part of the means.

You said that you have prayed to God for signs or to show himself to you, well what I can say is that he has already answered that prayer. You can know him in His word, as Jesus is God manifest to the world in the flesh:

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Heb 1:3)

And for the believer we have been given the helper---

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

I am sure monika that we all have had doubts about faith at one time or other so you are not alone - here is a link that might help you I pray it does.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/doubt-doubts/
 
M

Monika

Member
#9
Apr 25, 2021
49
33
18
#9
posthuman said:
It may be that He's teaching your heart to trust without needing or looking for signs, or that He's given you signs you haven't recognized.

One thing I have learned is that He does things according to His own timing, which is perfect, instead of mine, which is impatient :)
Click to expand...
Maybe He wants an increase in my Faith, I’m not sure and can’t try figure out why He wouldn’t when I cry out to Him.
Yes I agree and that is correct, that is why I feel as though prayer for others might not change anything as I know He has a plan and does things in His timing, it’s like I don’t want Him to answer my prayer if He already knows what is best by people and has a plan and me interfere in that. If He then answers my prayer, that change/event at that time may cause a ripple effects to the future of others also. Lol this is what goes through my mind, that’s why I’m thinking to leave it to God.
 
M

Monika

Member
#10
Apr 25, 2021
49
33
18
#10
Y
Godsgirl83 said:
Have you ever told your children to wait....
or even "no"
Both are answers (even though the child may not like it)
Click to expand...
Yes this is what I talk and think about every day, this is why I feel like I’m too small to even know the bigger picture or know what is in the best interests of people. That’s why I’m thinking to leave it to God and pray for other things and not request any miracles/changes in peoples lives as I know He is already working on what is best for them and their salvation.
 
B

Blackpowderduelist

Guest
#11
#11
Monika said:
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
Click to expand...
I know it's hard to think that God who knows everything and has a plan could possibly be swayed or persuaded by our prayers but he does answer prayers. Not always according to how we would like it to be, but remember Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said if there is any other way but your will. Sometimes our prayer is to confirm our lives to his will. It also gives us the ability to pour out heart out to God and he has compassion because he loves us.
Often I compare to children asking parents for things. Generally speaking if our children ask us we have an answer even if it's no. We also have an explanation for them, so they can learn. But even sometimes they will ask for what they know is going to happen. They may ask for dinner or lunch knowing we are going to feed them, but it builds that trust and bond. My son used to ask how many days until big events like trips to visit family or something. Some times I couldn't give him that answer because I didn't have a set date yet, but I would assume him that it is going to happen and say be patient or something must happen first. So when he would see the thing happening like maybe doing pretrip maintenance on the car he would know we were close to going. I hope these examples help.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#12
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#12
Monika said:
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Whether you are a new believer or an experienced one we all go through this very thing. I pray for people all the time yet almost every time it seems nothing changes the people I pray for keep going through the same things keep suffering with their illness keep struggling with the mountains in their lives my prayers seem to have no power or affect if I pray for myself it seems to work out somehow yet no matter how much I pray for others the results seem to remain unchanged I believe fully that only takes a single prayer to shake the world that it only takes one heart to make a difference that a suingle spark can creat a consuming fire yet I never understand why my prayers seems to go unheard or have no power whatso ever.

But then other times I can sense someone somewhere is in severe torture inside that they feel unloved unwanted unheard they feel so alone and long with every fiber in them just to be cared about just to be hear just to be seen and I am in tears as if I feel everything they holding inside and everything that is eating them alive inside and I pour my entire heart soul and being into prayer for God to go them and not even a split second after I do I amlost feel like a set of wings rushes somewhere and I somehow know they are not just covered but drowned in his warm love as if resting in his arms.

As a believer you will begin to notice the spiritual gifts you excel in the things that make you youI am immensely strong in love mercy compassion and I am very sensative I break in tears for others and I know from experience the pain and depth of the internal bleeding of inner wounds and scars the feeling of being uncared about unloved being unheard and the inner wounds that run deeper than are ever spoken about so I think that is why when I feel someone at that stage I see the true power of prayer as while I deeply wish I had the gift of healing for the body I believe I am called for the healing of inner wounds as I know more than many exactly how deep the cuts can go how much they bleed and how they are hardest and most difficult to mend and heal.

there are many different kinds of prayer each one designed for a different calling and the spirit will guide you in which one you excel in and use you for it
 
M

Monika

Member
#13
Apr 25, 2021
49
33
18
#13
CS1 said:
what a great question.

First off let me say the reason why God would hear you is that HE loves you and his desire to speak to you through his word primarily.
You are in a relationship where God desires to have a dialogue with you. James says in chapter five the effectual fervent prayers of one in a right relationship with God carry much weight with HIM.

Jesus said to pray and gave the Modle of prayer known as The "Lord's prayer"
We must forgive if not our prayers are not heard. We must judge our selves and repent of sin and this can be done as we are told to

Heb 4:16
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.


God desires to speak with you and for you to speak with him. We must trust God when he says no, not yet, or wait.
You have all the FAITH YOU NEED. when you don't understand pray ask the Lord to help you understand AND wait for His answer then accept it.

Sometimes Christians think they have to have all the answers to every issue to give to others, saying we don't know is the best thing and trust God. I do many hospital visits and pray for the sick and pray with families. God has always been there and did what only He could do :).
Click to expand...
It’s just hard in times of doubt when I ask if I am in the right religion as every religion is faith based. I feel that I am on the right path because when I became a Christian about a month ago I felt the Holy Spirit come into me. That night my eyes opened, I got on my knees and cried out to God and ever since I became born again I feel the Holy Spirit live inside of me. I just have days of doubt and get depressed by it and disappointed because I don’t want to make God sad or disappointed by it. I really prayed for a sign just to confirm this is the way and got nothing. So I felt disappointed/rejected.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#14
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#14
Monika said:
It’s just hard in times of doubt when I ask if I am in the right religion as every religion is faith based. I feel that I am on the right path because when I became a Christian about a month ago I felt the Holy Spirit come into me. That night my eyes opened, I got on my knees and cried out to God and ever since I became born again I feel the Holy Spirit live inside of me. I just have days of doubt and get depressed by it and disappointed because I don’t want to make God sad or disappointed by it. I really prayed for a sign just to confirm this is the way and got nothing. So I felt disappointed/rejected.
Click to expand...
That is actually normal this is usually how it satarts in your journey with him it is exactly like learning to ride a bike you are uneasy your wobble it is hard to get going and you wonder if this is a good idea but if you keep peddling you begin to be able to ride it and then once you can you are able to do it by instinct
 
ResidentAlien

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
#15
Apr 21, 2021
8,318
3,619
113
#15
Monika said:
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Hi Monika.

God can and does respond to our prayers. I usually say something like, "Father, you know far better than I about this situation. But if it's possible, please. . ."

In the garden, Jesus prayed, "If it's possible let this cup pass from me."

He may not always answer in the way we would like, but I think it's important to share our hearts with Him.
 
M

Monika

Member
#16
Apr 25, 2021
49
33
18
#16
Blain said:
Whether you are a new believer or an experienced one we all go through this very thing. I pray for people all the time yet almost every time it seems nothing changes the people I pray for keep going through the same things keep suffering with their illness keep struggling with the mountains in their lives my prayers seem to have no power or affect if I pray for myself it seems to work out somehow yet no matter how much I pray for others the results seem to remain unchanged I believe fully that only takes a single prayer to shake the world that it only takes one heart to make a difference that a suingle spark can creat a consuming fire yet I never understand why my prayers seems to go unheard or have no power whatso ever.

But then other times I can sense someone somewhere is in severe torture inside that they feel unloved unwanted unheard they feel so alone and long with every fiber in them just to be cared about just to be hear just to be seen and I am in tears as if I feel everything they holding inside and everything that is eating them alive inside and I pour my entire heart soul and being into prayer for God to go them and not even a split second after I do I amlost feel like a set of wings rushes somewhere and I somehow know they are not just covered but drowned in his warm love as if resting in his arms.

As a believer you will begin to notice the spiritual gifts you excel in the things that make you youI am immensely strong in love mercy compassion and I am very sensative I break in tears for others and I know from experience the pain and depth of the internal bleeding of inner wounds and scars the feeling of being uncared about unloved being unheard and the inner wounds that run deeper than are ever spoken about so I think that is why when I feel someone at that stage I see the true power of prayer as while I deeply wish I had the gift of healing for the body I believe I am called for the healing of inner wounds as I know more than many exactly how deep the cuts can go how much they bleed and how they are hardest and most difficult to mend and heal.

there are many different kinds of prayer each one designed for a different calling and the spirit will guide you in which one you excel in and use you for it
Click to expand...
Thank you for your response. I feel very conflicted as on one hand I’m thinking (God knows all, has a plan and has people’s best interest in mind) if a prayer isn’t answered. But then I see a Christian that has health problems and has been praying for the last ten years with no change and think to myself why?
Then I look up videos on YouTube on people testimonies on meeting Jesus or different YouTube channels such as Cross Examined to increase my faith again. It’s such a mental battle at times, I will continue praying and try to become stronger with God, I just don’t t like these times of doubt and question where it takes over my mind.
 
Seeker47

Seeker47

Well-known member
#17
Aug 7, 2018
1,129
963
113
#17
Posthuman in post #2 nailed it. After praying for someone try to sit quietly and listen. This is not easy, our minds are cluttered; but sometimes your heart will be changed. Maybe you will get up and write a note of encouragement. Maybe you gain some better understanding of suffering, maybe it's a message about courage. Maybe you will be convicted of something totally off-topic, you will arise and help someone totally unrelated. Sometimes I get up and help with the dishes.
 
Subhumanoidal

Subhumanoidal

Well-known member
#18
Sep 17, 2018
4,061
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113
#18
Monika said:
I know that prayer is important for many reasons as Jesus also prayed to our Heavenly Father, it is how we communicate and connect to our God ect
Praying for others also seems to be important, but for the last few weeks I have questioned how that may help people? I know God knows more than myself and He has a plan for everyone and does things in His divine timing and what is best. What difference would a prayer I make to an almighty God that has everyone’s interests at heart make? He knows how things should be done and can see the bigger picture. People speak of the power in prayer and sometimes feel discouraged because some are not answered.
I’m a new Christian and any reply would be helpful as I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.
Thank you
Click to expand...
The True purpose of prayer was not focused on changing others or the world around you. It was about communication with God, on a personal level. That so many view prayer as nothing more than a time to ask God favors reveals how far off things have gone.
God changes you, you go out in the world and change it. Not you go ask God to change the world then go to sleep thinking you connected with God.
 
M

Monika

Member
#19
Apr 25, 2021
49
33
18
#19
Tha
CS1 said:
what a great question.

First off let me say the reason why God would hear you is that HE loves you and his desire to speak to you through his word primarily.
You are in a relationship where God desires to have a dialogue with you. James says in chapter five the effectual fervent prayers of one in a right relationship with God carry much weight with HIM.

Jesus said to pray and gave the Modle of prayer known as The "Lord's prayer"
We must forgive if not our prayers are not heard. We must judge our selves and repent of sin and this can be done as we are told to

Heb 4:16
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.


God desires to speak with you and for you to speak with him. We must trust God when he says no, not yet, or wait.
You have all the FAITH YOU NEED. when you don't understand pray ask the Lord to help you understand AND wait for His answer then accept it.

Sometimes Christians think they have to have all the answers to every issue to give to others, saying we don't know is the best thing and trust God. I do many hospital visits and pray for the sick and pray with families. God has always been there and did what only He could do :).
Click to expand...
Thank you for your response.
I understand the importance of prayer in communicating and connecting with God, I just still don’t understand around why praying for others is important, as in asking for requests/change from God like I would know what’s in their best interests as I don’t.
It feels like a lot of pressure for me that If I pray to God for someone He could answer my prayer, but if I don’t pray for that person would they not get healed or better if I didn’t pray for them? If I felt my prayers for others are making a difference I feel like I would constantly be praying for people throughout the day feeling pressure to pray and make change to people as if it the change in their lives relyed upon my prayer. This is why I’m thinking God has peoples best interest in mind regardless if I pray for them and has a plan and works in His divine timing, but yes you are correct that we don’t have all the answers. I just want to do things right and if I know prayer will help people I will continue to do that.
 
M

Monika

Member
#20
Apr 25, 2021
49
33
18
#20
Pilgrimshope said:
“I want to grow in understanding and get stronger with my faith.”

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:5-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:21-22‬ ‭

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the point is faith comes by the word of Christ so complete understanding of prayer is found in the teachings of Jesus in the four accounts of the gospel of the kingdom

things we can learn that build faith are those things we can accept and believe in the gospel so understanding prayer is a part of the kingdoms teachings

some quick random examples

forgiveness in prayer

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:22-26‬ ‭

praying together

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Praying in the name of Jesus now that the gospel has appeared

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.”
‭‭John‬ ‭16:23-24, 26-28‬ ‭


To dwell in , consider and believe the gospel brother meaning the gospel of the kingdom Jesus taught like for one subject prayer , the answer you are seeking is found in hearing the gospel and abiding in the gospel until faith begins to take root and pours fresh water into your thirsty cup until it runners over

sorry for the length I believe your answer is found in believing and persevering in the belief the gospel creates there’s a seed time and harvest period we have to persevere when things aren’t adding up proof wise walk by faith the word creates but the word of the gospel is where the truth is found what Jesus preached when he was baptized until his death

“The law and the prophets were until John:

since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we hear and believe the gospel faith is being planted and if we persevere it will take root and begin to grow and bear fruit God bless you indeed seeking the lord may you find him ever more each day

sorry for calling you brother I just noticed your name sister
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What I find difficult around the words “believe” or “have faith” is I need to have a good understanding and security around what I am putting my faith into and seek answers.
Even quoting scriptures at times doesn’t feel helpful around my question (if I’m in the right religion) because anyone in any religion could quote their scriptures. This is why I asked for a confirmation from God that I am on the right path in prayer. I feel like a child trying to find her way but feeling lost but trying to do what is right.
I think it is important to have knowledge and understanding in areas mentally working upto having an understanding to the Bible you must grow mentally to a point before understanding, the Holy Spirit of coarse will also help with understanding.
I just hate not feeling secure and questioning things as I feel lost in those times. The Bible makes sense to me especially when Jesus talks, it’s the Old Testament I struggle with. But still I will continue with my faith, God and Christianity as I have made a commitment to Him. I just hope I am doing what is right not only for my sake but my children’s also because the thought of Hell haunts me.
 
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