Counsel #1 — Prayer Definition

Picture: Counsel #1 — Prayer DefinitionCSL 35.1

What is prayer? Is it a mystical experience requiring candles, labyrinths, mantras, repetition of words and phrases, or a trance-like altered state of consciousness? Or is it simply opening the heart in conversation with God as we would to a friend?^{[31]https://www.adventist.org/prayer/}CSL 35.2

What guidance does the Bible give us concerning prayer to God?CSL 35.3

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9-12 NLTCSL 35.4

“Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. ‘The Lord is very [pitying], and of tender mercy.’ James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them.” Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 100CSL 35.5

Reflect: Is talking to God as a friend a regular part of your daily life?CSL 35.6