Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture commends a life of prayer, characterised by simplicity of expression, sincerity of heart and trust in the promises of God. It gives guidance on how, when and where to pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Scripture stresses the importance of prayer See also Acts 6:3-4Romans 12:12 Psalms 79:6 Judgment comes on those who do not pray See also Psalms 53:4Jeremiah 10:21 Zephaniah 1:4-6 James 4:2 Matthew 6:7-8 Prayers should be expressed simply See also Ecclesiastes 5:1-3Luke 18:9-14 Matthew 6:5-6 Prayer should not be ostentatious See also Matthew 14:23Luke 5:16 pp Mk 6:46 2 Samuel 7:18Physical positions for prayer See also Sitting while praying Judges 20:26Nehemiah 1:4 Luke 22:41 See also Kneeling while praying 1 Kings 8:542 Chronicles 6:13 Ezra 9:5 Acts 9:40; 21:5 Ephesians 3:14 1 Kings 8:22 See also Standing while praying 1 Samuel 1:26Mark 11:25 2 Chronicles 20:18 See also Lying prostrate while praying Genesis 24:52Numbers 20:6 Exodus 9:29 Isaiah 1:15 Praying with arms outstretched See also 1 Kings 8:542 Chronicles 6:13 1 Timothy 2:8 See also Praying with hands raised Exodus 9:291 Kings 8:22,54 Psalms 63:4; 77:1-2 Daniel 6:10 Prayer can be offered at any time See also Praying several times a day Psalms 55:17; 88:1Mark 1:35 See also Praying early in the morning Psalms 5:3; 119:147Luke 6:12 See also Praying all night 1 Samuel 15:11Luke 2:37 John 4:21-24 Prayer is not confined to any single place Daniel 6:10Matthew 6:6 Praying inside a building See also 1 Kings 8:28-30Mark 1:35 Luke 5:16 Praying outside a building See also Acts 10:9; 21:5Acts 13:2-3 Prayer may be accompanied by fasting See also Ezra 8:23Nehemiah 1:4 Psalms 35:13 Daniel 9:3 Luke 2:37; 5:33 Acts 14:23 Matthew 17:21 fn See also pp Mk 9:29 fn 5162 lameness5175 reading 5185 stomach 5767 attitudes in prayer 5922 prudence 8432 fasting, practice 8627 worship, elements 8630 worship, results |
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