Prayer is not simply repeating some words. Prayer is a conversation with Almighty God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Phillipians 4:6

What is Prayer?
 Prayer is not a formula that we repeat. Prayer is a conversation with Almighty God. He desires a heartfelt relationship with us. As we speak to Him in prayer, we draw closer to Him and He to us.

Why should I pray?
We pray because we love God. Spending time in prayer grows and strengthens our relationship with Him. We learn to depend on Him for all things. He is our comforter in times of trouble and our strength when we face temptation. Prayer is vital to our spiritual well being. That's why God commands us to pray.

What should I pray?
(Different kinds of prayer)
Thanksgiving - This is giving thanks to God for all things in your life. Being thankful is being grateful for His protection, provision, blessing and, most of all, for His son.
Praise - We offer praise to God for who He is and what He has done. Praise is how we express our adoration for the majesty of God.
Intercessory Prayer - In this kind of prayer, we pray for the needs of others. We pray for family members, friends and co-workers. We pray for our church and its ministries. We pray for our pastor and leaders as well as praying for our government and those God has put over us.
Confession - We confess our sins to God and ask His forgiveness.
Petition - Prayers of petition are the type of prayer we are the most familar with. In them, we ask God for things we need - both spiritual needs and physical ones as well.
Walkie-talkie prayers - are those short little prayers we utter under our breath as we face temptation or an opportunity to witness.

How should I Pray?
In the book of Matthew, Jesus gae us an example of how to pray - sort of a model prayer. Today, we call it the Lord's prayer. Jesus never intended that we simply repeat His words, but that we might use His prayer as an outline for our own.
 The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven
Hallowed be your name (praise)
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us today our daily bread (petition)
Forgive us our debts as we also
Have forgiven our debtors (confession)
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from the evil one.
 Matthew 6:9-13

When and Where should I pray?
The Bible tells us that Jesus prayed at various times of the day and night, and that He went off to a solitary place to be alone with God. We should follow His example.
 We need time alone with God. Morning works best for most people, but it can be anytime that works for you.
 Additionally any spare minutes during the day are opportunities to pray - waiting in line, red-lights, waiting rooms grocery shopping and walking are just a few examples.
 Saying a quick prayer upon waking in the night is a perfect opportunity to foster an feeling of being constantly connected.

Does God always answer prayer?
God is sovereign and is under no obligation to answer our prayers. However, God wants to answer our prayers, but to receive answers we must meet God's terms: we must make Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives; we must pray in the will of God and we must be living lives that are pleasing to Him.

Praying out loud in a group
You don't have to pray out loud if you don't want to. Public speaking is the number one phobia in America, so don't feel bad if praying in public bothers you.

 Prayer events at Calvary Baptist
Prayer is an important part of all activities at Calvary. Regular prayer times include:
 Men's prayer group (Meets Tuesday's at 8:00AM)
 Circle of Sisters Bible Study (Meets Tuesday at 10AM)
 Sunday Morning Prayer (Meets at 1050AM)
 Prayer Night (Meets monthly as scheduled - usually on Thursdays)

What if I need someone to pray for me?
There are many people at Calvary willing to pray for you and with you. You simply need to let someone know.
 Speak to one of the people who greet you at the door, or one of the ushers.
 Fill out the connection card attached to the bulletin.
 Write a note and put it in the collection plate or the C-mail box in the foyer.
 Contact one of the elders.
 Contact the Church office here:Contact Us