Prayer

“Prayer is a human way of being and living before the face of God. It is as natural and necessary to our spiritual lives as is breathing to our bodies. God sees us every moment. We can talk to him and he to us.”

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

The heart's converse with God

An example of the heart's age-old converse with God may be found in the Bible, in the book of Psalms, whereas the Gospels record Jesus's own prayer, the “Our Father”, which we pray together at every act of worship.

Prayer brings us into the presence of God, who sees us in every moment and knows what we need. In our distress, God calls us to pray and to trust in God's salvation.

Prayer does not need words. It springs from the deep, if fragile, hope that we might yet be heard: “O Lord, hear me and answer me!”