13.1.6 Effects of prayer

Conscientious prayer opens a human being's heart to the knowledge: I am dependent upon God in my entire being! The attitude of the supplicant is characterised by childlike trust, humbleness, and fear of the Lord. It also comes to expression in formulations such as: "for Jesus' sake" or "in Jesus' name".

When a plea expressed in prayer is granted, it strengthens faith and increases thankfulness. However, those who pray will also make the experience that not every petition is granted. This does nothing to break the believers' trust: they remain assured that God hears every prayer and that, in His love, He ultimately guides everything for good to those who love Him (Romans 8: 28).

SUMMARY

Prayer is man's response to the word issued by God. In prayer believers experience: God is present, God hears, and God answers. (13.1)

Significant evidence of prayer in the Old Testament can be found in the Psalms. They contain worship of God, gratitude, pleas, and intercessions. (13.1.1)

Jesus Christ taught His followers to pray as a child who addresses God as "Father" and to pray "in spirit and truth". The Lord's Prayer, which was taught by Jesus, is a model for the prayer of all Christians. (13.1.2)

The gospels attest to the rich prayer life of Jesus. John 17 records the intercessory prayer, in which Jesus Christ brought intercessions to expression on behalf of the Apostles and the church. (13.1.3)

The early Christians practiced communal prayer right from the start. (13.1.4)

In addition to collective prayer in divine service, an individual prayer life is also important to New Apostolic Christians. (13.1.5)

In terms of content, prayer is defined by adoration and worship, thanks, petitions, and intercessions. The most important petition revolves around the imminent return of Christ and becoming worthy for it. (13.1.5)

See also