Pastor Greg Laurie has said:

"Prayer is not bending God's will towards ours, but our will towards His."

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"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but rather laying hold of His willingness."

Three types of Prayer

Supplication: to request something.

Intercession: asking on someone's behalf, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), and "Keep them from the evil one" (John 17).

Praise & Thanksgiving: in appreciation: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord"
(Psalm 106:1).

Is prayer important? "...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much" (James 5:16).

1. Ephesians 6:18: It is an "offensive" weapon.
2. Matthew 7:7: "Ask and it will be given to you..."
3. Hebrews 4:15-16: "Come boldly to the throne... in your time of need."

How should we pray? "Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

1. Daniel 10:12-13: Pray "Persistently."
2. Luke 18:9-14: 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."

Reasons for answered prayer "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him"
(James 1:5).

For a more in-depth lesson, go to Harvest.org's our "Foundations For Living" study.