Prayer
How do we know that Jehovah listens to and answers prayers?
See also Ps 66:19; Ac 10:31; Heb 5:7
Relevant Bible account(s):
1Ki 18:36-38—Jehovah responds swiftly to the prophet Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel during his showdown with the prophets of Baal
Mt 7:7-11—Jesus encourages us to persist in prayer and assures us that Jehovah as a loving Father listens to us
To whom alone should Christians direct their prayers?
In whose name do we pray?
Whose prayers does Jehovah hear?
Whose prayers does Jehovah refuse to hear?
Pr 15:29; 28:9; Isa 1:15; Mic 3:4; Jas 4:3; 1Pe 3:7
Relevant Bible account(s):
Jos 24:9, 10—Jehovah refuses to listen to Balaam because what he asks runs contrary to God’s will
Isa 1:15-17—Because his people have become hypocritical and bloodguilty, Jehovah refuses to hear their prayers
What is a proper way to end a prayer, and why?
Does the Bible require that we assume a specific position when praying?
What are some things that servants of Jehovah can pray for when they meet together for worship?
Relevant Bible account(s):
1Ch 29:10-19—King David leads the congregation of Israel in prayer when the people’s voluntary donations for the temple are collected
Ac 1:12-14—The apostles, Jesus’ brothers, Mary the mother of Jesus, and some other faithful women are in an upper room in Jerusalem praying together
Why should the one praying never exalt himself or seek to impress others?
Is it fitting to pray at mealtimes?
Why should we never become negligent about praying to our heavenly Father?
Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18; 1Th 5:17; 1Pe 4:7
Relevant Bible account(s):
Da 6:6-10—Even under the threat of death, the prophet Daniel continues his habit of praying openly to Jehovah
Lu 18:1-8—Jesus uses the example of an unrighteous judge who gives in to a woman’s persistent pleas for justice to illustrate that our righteous Father will respond readily to his servants’ persistent pleas for help
What attitude should we have if we want God to hear our prayers for forgiveness?
Relevant Bible account(s):
2Ki 22:11-13, 18-20—Because King Josiah humbles himself and seeks to please Jehovah, he is treated with great mercy and kindness
2Ch 33:10-13—King Manasseh humbly prays, which leads to receiving forgiveness from Jehovah and to being restored to the throne
What does Jehovah require of us if we want to be forgiven?
Why should we express our support for God’s will in our prayers?
Why should our prayers reflect our faith in our heavenly Father?
What are some proper subjects for prayer?
The sanctification of God’s name
The coming of God’s Kingdom to rule over all the earth
The accomplishment of Jehovah’s will
Requests for our material needs
The forgiveness of our sins
Protection from temptations
Thanksgiving
Requests for knowledge of God’s will, for understanding, and for wisdom
See also Ps 119:34
Relevant Bible account(s):
1Ki 3:11, 12—Jehovah is pleased with King Solomon’s request for wisdom and grants it in a large way
Requests for holy spirit
Requests in behalf of fellow worshippers, including those undergoing persecution
Expressions of praise
Requests to motivate people in authority to let us worship Jehovah in peace and preach to people
See also Jer 29:7
Is it fitting to pray on the occasion of our baptism?
Is it fitting to pray in behalf of those who are spiritually sick?
Why do men usually pray with the head uncovered, and why do women sometimes pray with the head covered?
What is even more important than the length or the intensity of our prayers?
Relevant Bible account(s):
1Ki 18:25-29, 36-39—In response to the prophet Elijah’s challenge, the prophets of Baal cry out to their god for hours on end—but to no avail
Ac 19:32-41—Idolaters in Ephesus chant frantically to the goddess Artemis for two hours, achieving nothing but a rebuke from the city recorder