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What Is Prayer?
WHAT IS PRAYER? [From two catechisms and a dictionary . . . ] Question 98. What is prayer? Answer: Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. — The Westminster Shorter Catechism, 1647 [This next one is very similar. You can tell where these early Baptists went for their start on this question and answer.] Question: What is prayer? Answer: Prayer is an offering up our desires to God (Psalm 62:8), by the assistance of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26), for things agreeable to his will (1 John 5:14; Romans 8:27), in the name of Christ (John 16:23), believing (Matthew 21:22; James 1:6), with confession of our sins (Psalm 32:5- 6; Daniel 9:4), and thankful acknowledgments of his mercies (Philippians 4:6). — The Baptist Catechism, Charleston Association of 1813 prayer, n. 1. a devout petition to, or any form of spiritual communion with God or an object of worship. 2. the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship. 3. a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession. 4. a formula or sequence of words used in or appointed for praying, THE LORD’S PRAYER. 5. a religious observance, either public or private, consisting wholly or mainly for prayer. —RANDOM HOUSE DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, UNABRIDGED EDITION, 1967 [Don’t just talk about it or memorize it. Do it!] Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu |