Prayer

It's really hard to have a relationship with someone if you don't communicate with them - and that's what prayer is all about. In simple terms, prayer is a conversation with God.

We can look at things in our lives or in the world and bring them before God to ask for His blessing or intervention - but that's just one part of the conversation. We can also listen to what He has to say to us and on the basis that we have one mouth and two ears, it's probably a good idea to be listening twice as much as we're talking.

» Prayer Requests

How Do I Pray?

Many people will be familiar with the Lord's Prayer ("Our Father, in heaven...") but prayer needn't be as structured as that. Just relax and talk to God as you would have a heart-to-heart with your best friend. You don't have to use old words like "thee" or "thou" if you don't want to, or clasp your hands or even shut your eyes. Just have a chat with someone who loves you and wants to help.

As with all good conversations, it's best if you can set aside some time so that you get to the heart of the matter but if you're pressed for time, just drop Him a quick word and follow it up later. Wherever you are, that's where God is too - and He's waiting for you to call.

One thing that is mentioned in the Bible (John 14:13-14) is that when we pray, it helps to do so in Jesus' name. Many people observe this by closing their prayer with something along the lines of "in Jesus' name, Amen". It's a good way to wind up the conversation with God by saying, "if this prayer fits with what Jesus would say, let it be so".

Does God Answer Prayer?

Yes, God always answers our prayers - but sometimes the answer isn't the one we want. The answer can be yes, no or not yet. God knows what's best for us and saying yes to your prayer in the short term might lead to bigger problems in the long term.

What Should I Pray About?

Anything at all, big or small. You can ask for God's guidance in life, making decisions, for your loved ones or even for those who stand against you. You can pray for political integrity and responsible government and for global disasters that you hear about in the news.

The best prayers are often the unselfish ones - pleas for other people in our lives who need God's help. That said, don't be afraid of asking for something you really need for yourself. Just remember the difference between "need" and "would quite like".

Does Prayer Work?

We know it works because there are so many stories of amazing and very specific answers to prayer that go far beyond the realms of chance or coincidence. There are accounts of some real jawdroppers in the Alpha course so if you'd like to know more, why not come along and hear them for yourself?

Prayer Requests

At Cambuslang Baptist Church, we believe strongly in the positive power of prayer as a means of bringing about real change for the better. If you have any concerns that you would like us to put before God, please drop us a line using the Contact Us page and submit a Prayer Request. Your request will be passed to various church groups who will pray for you.