"To earnestly request something from or to address a Divinity"
Webster's Dictionary

The Bible puts a tremendous emphasis on prayer. Throughout the New and Old Treatments we see believers praying to God for many different reasons. This study is designed to show the types of prayer, as well as how to pray and possible reasons 
they may or may not be answered in the way we would like.

Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance but rather laying hold of His willingness.
Prayer is not Bending God's will towards ours, but our will towards His.

What is prayer?

1. Matthew 6:11 Supplication (request)
2. John 17 Intercession (asking on someone's behalf)
3. Psalm 106:1 Praise and Thanksgiving (appreciation)

Is prayer important?

1. Ephesians 6:18 It is an "offensive" weapon.
2. Matthew 7:7 It is essential for growth.
3. Hebrews 4:15-16 Pray to God in your help in time of need.
4. John 16:24 Praying to God makes our joy complete.

How should we pray?

1. Matthew 26:36-44 Pray "Persistently"
2. Luke18:9-14 Pray "Humbly"
3. Hebrews 4:15-16 Pray "Boldly"
4. I Thess. 5:17 Pray "Continually"
5. James 1:5-7 & 5:16 Pray "Believing"
6. Philippians 4:4-9 Pray "In Everything and with Thanksgiving"

Reasons for answered prayer.

1. I John 5:14-15 Confidence / Praying in His will
2. John 15:7 Abiding in Him and in His Word

Possible reasons for unanswered prayer

1. James 4:3 Asking with the wrong motive
2. Psalm 66:18 Unconfessed sin / not forgiving others
3. I Peter 3:7 Poor spousal or personal relationships
4. James 1:5-8 Unbelief, doubt, being double minded