These verses are about what is acceptable prayer based on a chain of verses that are referenced in a specific order to help give clarity and context.* It has very minimal commentary so that you can do your own self-reflection and discovery of the verses. Many times the Bible explains itself if you just know where to look.
With each group of verses, there are probing questions to help you consider what is being said. Each verse in the study is linked to an online Bible, should you want to check the context of the verses around it. Also, allowing verification of what scripture says, as well as purity of a study based only on the Bible.
1. What is prayer?
- Prayer is the sincere desire of the soul expressed; the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Psalms 62:8 (KJV) — “”
“‘Prayer is not the overcoming of God’s reluctance; it is the taking hold of God’s willingness.’ ‘Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.’ Prayer does not change God; but it does change us and our relation
— “Bible Readings for the Home Circle,” page 604.
to God. It places us in the channel of blessings, and in that frame of mind in which God can consistently and safely grant our requests.”
2. Will God hear when we pray?
- Psalms 3:4 (KJV) — “”
- Psalms 34:4, 6 (KJV) — “”
3. What is the first step in offering acceptable prayer?
- Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) — “”
4. What is the basis of true prayer?
- John 15:7 (KJV) — “”
“How shall we pray so as to be heard and to receive help? For one thing, there must be a real desire in our hearts. Forms of words do not make prayer: we must want something, and must realize our dependence upon God for it.”
— J. R. Miller, D. D.
5. What should be our state of mind in regard to all things asked for?
- Luke 22:42 (KJV) — “”
6. Might we desire and ask for the wrong things?
- James 4:3 (KJV) — “”
7. With what confidence should we come to God?
- Mark 11:24 (KJV) — “”
- Matthew 7:7-12 (KJV) — “”
“The importunate widow got her request because of her persistence. God wants us to seek Him, and to seek Him earnestly, when we pray. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.”
— “Bible Readings for the Home Circle,” page 612.
8. Should we doubt that God hears simply because we do not see an immediate answer?
- James 1:6 (KJV) — “”
9. When will God refuse to hear us?
- Psalms 66:18 (KJV) — “”
- Isaiah 59:2 (KJV) — “”
10. What shall we do when we find ourselves holding to something that is not in harmony with God’s way?
11. Will God hear us when we deal unjustly with others?
- Mark 11:25, 26 (KJV) — “”
12. What is forgiveness?
- Treating an offender as though he had not committed offense. Example: Matthew 18:23-35 (KJV) — “”
- Matthew 5:23, 24 (KJV) — “”
13. How often should we pray?
- Luke 18:1 (KJV) — “”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18 (KJV) — “”
- Romans 12:12 (KJV) — “”
“This does not mean that we should be constantly bowed before God in prayer, but that we should not neglect prayer, and that we should ever be in a prayerful frame of mind, even when walking by the way or engaged in the duties of life,— ever ready to send up our petitions to heaven for help in time of need.”
— Id., p. 608.
14. What prayer habits should be formed?
- Psalms 5:3 (KJV) — “”
- Psalms 55:17 (KJV) — “”
15. Have we a record of any one’s asking and not receiving?
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (KJV) — “”
“Paul’s affliction, it seems, was impaired sight. Acts 9:8, 9, 18; 22:11-13. The retaining of this imperfection
—Id., p. 612.
would be a constant reminder to him of his conversion, and hence a blessing in disguise.”
16. What did Jesus say to do when trials press us?
- Luke 18:1-7 (KJV) — “”
17. Who is mentioned as an example of acceptable prayer?
- James 5:17, 18 (KJV) — “”
This study guide was based on Reading No. 27, pages 134-135 from Brief Bible Readings for Busy People,
prepared by the Home Missionary Department
of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Review and Herald Publishing. Published originally in 1930.
View the original study guide, which this guide is based on, as a scanned PDF. Full credit to them.
*A Bible chain reference is a system of cross-referencing between different passages or verses of the Bible to connect and relate different concepts, themes, or topics mentioned in different parts of the Bible. It helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the overall message and meaning of the text. To use it, readers start with a particular topic or theme and then look up the corresponding list of verses, paying attention to the connections and relationships between them. Studying them in a particular order, helps one understand the topic from beginning to end. Just like peeling the layers off of an onion. It’s a useful tool for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Bible and its teachings.
Our Adventist Life is a dedicated online evangelist and mother of two, deeply rooted in her Seventh-day Adventist faith. With over 15 years of experience in creating and optimizing digital content, she brings a unique blend of professional expertise and spiritual insight to her work. Her passion lies in exploring Biblical truths and their practical applications in daily living, self-care, and family nurturing. Through her writing, she aims to inspire and guide her readers toward a more fulfilling Christian lifestyle, drawing from her own experiences as a parent and a follower of Christ. Her thoughtful and engaging content reflects her commitment to sharing the love and wisdom found in the Scriptures with a modern audience living in the end times.
Home Missionary Department
“Adventist mission touches lives through medical care, media, education, mission workers, Global Mission pioneers, outreach resources and so much more. The Adventist mission is entering new areas. Establishing new congregations. Changing lives.” “More than 2,500 Global Mission pioneers are now working around the world. Since 1990 pioneers have established more than 11,000 new Seventh-day Adventist congregations.” – Read more about Adventist Mission.