Topical Encyclopedia Public prayer holds a significant place within the Christian tradition, serving as a communal expression of faith and reliance on God. The teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize the power and efficacy of prayer, including public prayer, and His promises regarding answered prayers are foundational to Christian belief.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides several instances where Jesus Christ assures His followers of the power of prayer. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about prayer in the context of the Sermon on the Mount. He instructs His disciples on the manner and attitude with which they should approach prayer, emphasizing sincerity and faith. Matthew 18:19-20 : "Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them." This passage highlights the communal aspect of prayer, where agreement and unity among believers invite the presence and action of Christ. The promise that God will answer prayers made in agreement underscores the importance of collective supplication. The Role of Faith and Obedience Christ's promises regarding answered prayer are closely linked to the faith and obedience of the believers. In the Gospel of John, Jesus further elaborates on the conditions under which prayers will be answered. John 14:13-14 : "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." Praying "in My name" implies a deep alignment with the will and character of Christ. It is not merely a formulaic ending to a prayer but a reflection of the believer's submission to Christ's authority and purpose. The promise of answered prayer is thus contingent upon the believer's faithfulness and alignment with God's will. Public Prayer in the Early Church The early church provides examples of public prayer as a vital practice among believers. The Book of Acts records instances where the early Christians gathered for prayer, seeking divine intervention and guidance. Acts 4:31 : "After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." This account demonstrates the power of collective prayer in the early church, where the believers experienced a tangible response from God, empowering them to continue their mission with boldness. Encouragement for Believers The promises of Christ regarding answered prayer serve as an encouragement for believers to engage in public prayer with confidence and expectation. The assurance that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people is a source of strength and hope for the Christian community. In summary, public prayer, as taught by Christ, is a powerful expression of faith that invites divine intervention. The promises of answered prayer are contingent upon the faith, unity, and alignment of believers with the will of God, as demonstrated in the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early church. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 18:19Again I say to 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Prayer The Naturalness of Prayer The Ceaselessness of Prayer The Prayer of Faith. The Privilege of Prayer Ninteenth Lesson. I Go unto the Father!' My God Will Hear Me Prayer Answered, Love Nourished Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Letter vi. Temptation. Resources Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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