Prayer, as a relationship with God

Prayer is based on God's love for believers. Through his grace, he gives them things which they do not deserve, while through his mercy he shields them from those things which they do deserve.

God's children can turn to their Father in prayer

Under the old covenant

Isaiah 64:8–9 See also Psalm 103:13–14; Isaiah 63:16

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Do not be angry, O LORD, beyond measure; do not remember our iniquity forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray; we are all Your people!

Under the new covenant

Matthew 6:9–13 parallel Luke 11:2–4 See also Matthew 6:6, Matthew 7:7–11 parallel Luke 11:9–13; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6

So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Jesus Christ's prayer life with his Father

Mark 14:36 parallels Matthew 26:39, Matthew 26:42, Luke 22:42 See also John 17:1–26

“Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”

It is possible to approach God in prayer because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice

Hebrews 10:19–22 See also Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 7:15–19

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Prayer reflects a longing after God

Psalm 42:1–2; Jeremiah 29:12–13 See also Psalm 130:5–6, Psalm 145:18–19; Proverbs 8:17; Isaiah 26:9, Isaiah 33:2; Lamentations 3:25

For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.