What is Prayer?

Nick Jenkins

Sunday morning message – 15th February 2026Citywest Church YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/4uVndY9FnB4

Objective

This session explores why answers to prayer can sometimes seem arbitrary or confusing and examines the biblical understanding that prayer is both a partnership with God and a relationship with a loving Father, even within life’s complexity and mystery. Together, we will reflect on what prayer truly is, why it matters, and how we can remain faithful, persistent, and encouraged in it despite unanswered or delayed outcomes.

Leader

Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Choose two or three areas to explore. Have fun, Jesus people!

Introduction

Opening Question

Why can answers to prayer sometimes seem arbitrary or random? Why is that?

Perhaps you’ve prayed for something small — like finding lost study notes or a car parking space — and it seemed to work. Yet many of us have also prayed desperately for someone with cancer, and they were not healed. Prayer can feel like a mystery.

Main text:

Prayer can feel like a mystery.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”— Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Other translations use the words constant, persistent, and devoted. The Greek word implies perseverance despite difficulty. Prayer is not always easy or straightforward.

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is found throughout the Bible. It is communication with God that includes:

• Praise

• Confession

• Thanksgiving

• Petition

• Intercession

The Greek word proseúchomai means “to exchange wishes” — interacting with the Lord by exchanging our desires for His.

Prayer is not rubbing a genie’s lamp. It is an exchange of wills.

St John of Damascus described prayer as:

“The raising of one’s mind and heart to God.”

Jesus’ Example

Jesus clearly saw prayer as essential:

Read: Luke 5:16Read: Luke 6:12

Discuss: If Jesus needed to pray, how much more do we?

Why Is Prayer Important?

1. Ruling and Partnership

In Genesis 1:27–28, humanity is given authority to “rule” and “subdue” the earth. We were created to partner with God.

In Exodus 14:16, God tells Moses to stretch out his staff over the sea. Why didn’t God simply part the sea without Moses? He could have — but He chose partnership.

In Revelation 22:3–5, we see that we are destined to reign with Him. Prayer is part of how we exercise that partnership now.

Read: Matthew 18:18

Discuss: What we say and do matters. Your prayers matter. They have an impact in both heaven and on earth.

2. Relationship

Prayer produces intimacy.

Read: James 4:8Read: Romans 8:15

God is not a distant force. He is a loving Father. Imagine if your child never spoke to you. Relationship requires communication. We are made in God’s image as relational beings — not just horizontally with others, but vertically with Him.

Variables in Prayer (Not a Formula)

This is not about ticking boxes to guarantee outcomes. However, Scripture shows several factors that can influence prayer.

(Leader – pick and choose from below what suits your group.)

• God’s will — 1 John 5:14

  We pray according to His will, not for selfish ambition.

• Faith (of the one prayed for)

  Jesus noted people’s faith in their healing. In His hometown, unbelief limited what He did.

• Faith (of the one praying)

  The centurion’s faith impressed Jesus.

• Persistence

  Jesus teaches persistence in Luke 11. Some breakthroughs take time.

• Free will

  God persuades but does not coerce. Love requires freedom.

• Sin and spiritual condition

  Scripture warns that behavior and relationships can affect prayer (1 Peter 3:7; James 5:16).

  
  

Again — this is not a formula. It is simply insight into the complexity of prayer.

But remember: the Father loves to hear from you and loves being with you. Jesus gives wonderfully simple guidance in Luke 11: be direct. Ask for what you need. It’s not a game. If earthly parents give good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit?

Prayer is not about eloquence or performance. It is a conversation with a loving Father.

Conclusion

Read: Ephesians 6:18

How Should We Pray?

Prayer isn’t meant to be confined to ten minutes in the morning. It is woven into everyday life — praise, petition, thanksgiving, and intercession.

And when praying aloud feels intimidating? Trust the Spirit. Step out. You don’t need polished words — just a willing heart.

In Summary

• There is mystery — but don’t lose heart.

• Prayer establishes God’s Kingdom and deepens relationship.

• Your prayers matter.

• You are called to reign with Christ — your voice carries weight.

• God is good. He hears you.

So be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful — persistent — devoted in prayer