Prayer

Prayer and its Significance

Prayer is a way of talking to God. Christians pray because they believe in a personal God who cares about them and supports them. There are different kinds of prayers, and Christians pray for many reasons.

Feel God's presence

Some Christians pray to feel God’s presence in their lives.
They believe this gives them strength to follow God’s will.

Asking for God's help

Many prayers ask God for help in times of need.
This is based on the belief that God is a loving Father who wants the best for His children.

Worship and gratitude

Some prayers express worship and thanks to God.
These prayers are based on the belief that God is the all-powerful creator who can answer prayers.

Kinds of Christian Prayer

There are many different kinds of Christian prayer, and they are conducted in various ways:

Meditation

Meditation is a silent form of prayer.
The person praying focuses on God in their mind and tries to be more aware of God’s presence.

Asking for help

Prayers asking for God’s help can be personal or public.
Individuals may pray for help during difficult situations, like illness.
In liturgical services, there are often ‘bidding prayers’ where the congregation prays for the needs of the world.

Expressing praise

Some prayers express praise, such as “The Canticle of the Creatures” by St Francis of Assisi, which praises God for the wonders of creation.
For example: “Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures, and especially through our Lord and brother the Sun, who brings the day, and through whom you give us light” (St Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the Creatures).

Expressing gratitude

Prayers before meals often express thanks to God for the food and good things provided by Him.

The Lord's Prayer

When the apostles asked Jesus how to pray, He taught them the Lord’s Prayer.
This prayer is used in personal prayer and public services like the Eucharist.
The Lord’s Prayer combines praise (hallowed - or holy - be your name) and asking for God’s help (forgive us our sins).

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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