"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

Dear Brothers and Sisters of our Lord Jesus Christ,

What is prayer? Is it a means of grace? Is it the way in which God forgives our sins? How should we pray? When should we pray? What should we say? These are some questions that have been asked regarding prayer.

Prayer begins with God speaking and our listening. A pastor by the name of Kenneth Korby writes, "As human beings learn to talk by listening to others around them, so prayer must be learned by listening to 'Our Father,' to the Word addressed us, and to the company of the family of God among whom we live. Where that lively and life-giving Word is received in the heart of faith, the prayer that is 'conversation with God' happens." Prayer is conversation with God. It is not a means by which God pours out His forgiveness, life, and peace into our hearts and lives,  rather, it is an act of faith. Prayer is talking with God, it is the asking for His blessings, blessings that are delivered to us by means of the Gospel, that is, His speaking to us. Prayer is what we do, the giving of the gifts of heaven is what God does through the proclamation of the Gospel. Prayer is a faithful act in which we ask for the things that God wants to give, things that bring real and lasting blessings into our hearts and lives.

God invites us to pray, to talk with Him at any time. How should we pray? Pray in the name of Jesus, that is, with faith in Him as our Redeemer. He has promised that He will hear us and answer us according to His name and word, that is, in a way that will be beneficial to us, even if it does not seem like it at the time. Jesus said, "You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it" (John 14:14). When should we pray? We should pray regularly and frequently, especially in time of trouble. "Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). God Himself has said, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me" (Psalm 50:15). What should we say? Say back to God what He has said to us. Let His words shape and form yours, words that bring life and peace. God loves to be taken at His word. He will never wiggle out of it. "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7).

Prayers like the Lord's Prayer, teach us to ask for what the Lord wants to give. A famous Christian writer, C.S. Lewis, offers three good reasons for using "ready made prayers," such as the Lord's Prayer. First, they keep us in touch