3.3 - nature and purpose of prayer

• purposes of prayer

  • adoration - praising or adoring god for what he is
  • thanksgiving - thanking god (general or specific)
  • confession - determining to do better
  • supplication - asking for god's help
• what is prayer?

  communicating with god to form a relationship
• set prayers

  • used in liturgical worship
  • expresses all 4 purposes of prayer
  • The Lord's Prayer
  • can be used in personal prayers e.g when sleeping, awakening, when god enters minds
• informal prayers

  • expressing inner thoughts to god using your own words and language
  • creates personal relationship with god
  • extempore prayers (prayers said with no preparation)
• why do christians pray?

  • to thank god and not take things for granted
  • learn from mistakes in confession and improve life
  • helping those suffering
  • bring inner peace