Prayer | Citylight Omaha

Jesus prayed (Luke 5:16. Jesus taught His followers to pray (Matthew 6). Jesus encourages us to pray with persistence (Luke 18:1-8). And the very God who has created us, chosen us, pursued us, made us spiritually alive has also promised to hear our prayers!

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” - 1 Peter 3:12

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” - Psalm 34:15

God's willingness to hear our prayers is not based on our perfection, but on His grace. His ears are attentive, particularly to those who seek Him in sincerity, humility, and faith.

Our invitation to increase our individual and corporate prayer as a church family is tied to our desire to embrace a humble posture before God and allow the Lord to align our hearts to His. We believe God will use our prayers for His Glory and others good but we also know that God will use our time spent with Him in prayer to change, shape and re-order our hearts and lives!

Acts 1:8 Prayer

Sundays | Beginning 4.18 | 10:15 - 10:45 AM | Midtown & West

We pray to fuel the proclamation of the Gospel among peoples from every tongue, tribe, and nation so that God is worshiped and glorified here, there, and everywhere. What a joy to gather each Sunday with brothers and sisters to pray for our church, the people in our city, our country, and those on the other side of the world who have yet to hear about Jesus. All are welcome to come pray with us between gatherings on Sundays at either Midtown or West.

1. Adoration (Praise)

Adoration is the prayer of worship and praise to God for His greatness, holiness, and majesty. It acknowledges God for who He is, rather than for what He has done.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." - Psalm 103:1-2

2. Confession

Confession involves acknowledging and admitting our sins before God. It is an act of repentance, where Christians seek forgiveness and cleansing from sin.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” - Pslam 51:1

3. Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a prayer that expresses gratitude to God for His blessings, provision, and faithfulness.

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

4. Supplication (Petition)

Supplication is the prayer of asking or requesting something from God, whether for personal needs, the needs of others, or situations that require God’s intervention.

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

5. Intercession

Intercessory prayer is when a Christian prays on behalf of others, standing in the gap for their needs, healing, salvation, or any other request that involves others.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people." - 1 Timothy 2:1

6. Petition (Asking for God’s Will)

While similar to supplication, petition often emphasizes submitting to God’s will while asking for specific needs or desires. It’s a prayer that seeks God's guidance or provision, while surrendering to His plan.

"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10

7. Blessing

A blessing prayer is one that asks for God's favor and protection, often for others or for a specific situation.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” - Numbers 6:24-26

8. Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative prayer is a form of silent prayer, where a person focuses deeply on God's presence, often without speaking or asking for anything but simply being in God's presence.

"Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10

9. Prayers of Lament.

A prayer of lament is a prayer that expresses sorrow, grief, pain, or mourning in the face of suffering, loss, injustice, or confusion.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” - Psalm 22:1-2

1. To Foster a Relationship with God
Prayer is a way to grow closer to God, similar to how any relationship thrives through communication. It’s an opportunity to spend time in God’s presence.

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." - James 4:8

2. To Align our hearts and desires with God’s Will
Prayer helps believers align their hearts, desires, and actions with God’s purposes. It’s a way of surrendering personal will to God’s sovereign plan.

"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10

3. To Seek God’s Guidance and Wisdom
Prayer provides a space to seek God’s guidance in decision-making and wisdom for daily living.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5

4. To Express Gratitude, Confession, and Needs
Prayer is a way of expressing thanks to God for His blessings, confessing sins, and making petitions for our own needs or the needs of others.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

5. To Experience God’s Peace
Prayer helps to experience God's peace, especially in moments of anxiety, grief, or trouble.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

One of the ways we will practically live out our desire to be a church that communes with God in prayer will be hosting regular prayer gathering through out the year. These will be offered at both the Midtown and West location. We will pray for one another, the different ministries in our church, and our desire to show and share the love of Jesus with our neighbors and the nations.

Prayer Nights for the year | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Midtown & West
Sunday, May 4
Sunday, September 7
Sunday, November 30 (Advent themed)