Questions about Prayer

This week, when a person in my class asked about prayer, as I replied, I realized that being able to talk to GOD is so amazing and astounding that it's not a surprise that likely none of us are able to fully grasp and understand all aspects of it.  Nor is it a surprise that the detailed specifics of prayer may sometimes not be very clear, which could result in some differing views and perspectives.

However, Scripture does talk a lot about Prayer; so, while we may not understand it fully, I do think there are some things that we can know:

• God does want us to pray, and He has said that He will do it, if we ask in faith and it is according to His Will ("You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."  John 14:14; "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22)
• There are examples of Moses and Abraham pleading with God, showing that it is possible to change an outcome or have an impact ("Then the Lord changed His mind and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened." Exodus 32:14; or Genesis 18:16-33)

As for prayer for a person's salvation, I believe that when we pray, God can cause events and situations that are conducive to drawing the person to HIM, while leaving the ultimate freewill decision to the person.  And since God desires all men to be saved, I would think that He would always want us to be praying for the lost.  So, we shouldn't give up hope nor stop praying for them.

We do have a LOVING God Who is GOOD, and has given us direct access to HIM in prayer.
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  (Hebrews 4:16)