Prayer is simply human communication with God. But it can and does have a huge impact on our lives and the lives of others. God invites us to keep lines of communication open between creature and creator. Just as we talk with each other it is through talking with God in prayer that we keep these lines of communication open.
There are numerous examples of how God responds to the prayers of the faithful–even to changing His intended course of action (For instance, Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:22-33 and, at Moses’ plea, God spares those who worship the golden calf in Exodus 32:11-14). We are invited to approach God in prayer as a child speaking to loving parents. We bring Him our joys, sorrows, wonderment, confusion, thanks, praise, hurts, disappointments… every aspect of our daily life. Just as we would sit and talk with each other, God wants us to talk with Him. He wants to hear from us as we want to hear from each other.
James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing Psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
- Prayer and meditation
- Scriptures
- The Sacraments
- The Holy Spirit
- Other people with the gifts of teaching, prophecy, preaching, word of knowledge, and word of wisdom
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