The Nature & Purpose of Christian Prayer (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

The Nature & Purpose of Prayer in Christianity

Private Worship

• Many Christians worship informally at home

• This can involve saying grace before a meal, singing worship songs with friends or family, reading the Bible or praying

• Christians believe that private worship is just as important as public worship

• It can take place anywhere and may involve prayer, studying or meditating on a Bible passage

• Many Christians believe they have a better connection with God when worshipping privately

• It also provides the freedom to be able to worship whenever they want and is easier for those who might find it difficult to attend a more formal gathering

• Prayer is often an important part of private worship

Christian Prayer

• Prayer is communicating with God in silence or aloud, with others or alone

• Prayer can be in many different forms

  • Thanksgiving - to thank God for something

  • Supplication - asking God for something

  • Adoration - worshipping God

  • Confession - admitting and asking for forgiveness for sins

  • Intercession - asking God to help other people

• Christian prayer can take place using formal (set) prayers or informal prayers

  • Formal prayer is used in most Christian denominations

    • They can be said during acts of worship in church but also in private

  • Informal prayer is where Christians talk to God in their own words

    • These types of prayers are sometimes called extempore

    • Informal prayers can be more personal and show a connection with God for the individual

    • Some Christians prefer these to set prayers

    • Many Christians will pray both formally and informally

• The Lord’s Prayer Is very important to Christians

  • It is based upon the words Jesus used when he guided his disciples how to pray

  • The Lord’s Prayer covers key themes around forgiveness and God providing for mankind and also refers to God as The Father which links to the Trinity

  • There is also a reference in the Lord’s Prayer to God’s kingdom which links to Christian views around salvation

Importance of Christian Prayer

• Christian prayer is important for several reasons;

  • Christians draw comfort from the fact that they believe God is listening to them

  • Many Christians believe that God is also communicating back and guiding them with important decisions through the Holy Spirit

  • Prayer strengthens the relationship between Christians and God

  • It is following the example of Jesus who is often recorded as praying in the Bible

  • Through prayers of adoration Christians can acknowledge the goodness and greatness of God

    • It encourages Christians to confess and ask for forgiveness

    • It helps Christians to remain humble as they thank God for all the things He has given them

  • Through prayers of intercession Christians remember the needs of others rather than focusing on themselves

  • Through prayers of supplication, Christians are encouraged to remember that they cannot do everything themselves and that they need someone greater than them

  • It unites the Church as some prayers are said together as part of the service

Divergent Christian Attitudes Towards Prayer

• There are differences in the way that Christians view prayer, both in meaning and in practice

  • Each Christian has a unique relationship with God, and this can influence their attitude towards prayer

    • Some may view prayer as a personal conversation with God, while others may see it as a way to seek guidance, comfort, or express gratitude

  • Different Christian denominations may have distinct beliefs and practices regarding prayer

    • For example, some denominations emphasise formal prayers with specific structures and liturgy, while others encourage spontaneous and informal prayer

    • Catholics might use the Rosary whilst praying or they might focus on the Stations of the Cross

  • Theological beliefs can also shape attitudes towards prayer

    • Christians who believe in predestination for instance, may view prayer as a means of aligning their will with God's plan, while those who emphasise free will may see prayer as a way to influence outcomes

  • Cultural and personal backgrounds can greatly impact attitudes towards prayer

    • Christians from diverse cultural backgrounds may have unique customs, rituals, or styles of prayer

    • Additionally, personal experiences and upbringing can shape one's perception of prayer

  • Christians interpret Scripture differently, and this can influence their attitudes towards prayer

    • Some may focus on biblical passages that emphasise the power of prayer, while others may prioritise passages that highlight God's sovereignty or His will in prayer