How does prayer work and who answers?

In the Bible we identify four different kinds of prayer, depending on the circumstances, the disposition of the person who prays and the aim of one’s prayer. This does not mean that a particular prayer cannot contain elements that fall into more than one category, or to all four of them. With the Bible’s help, in this chapter I will try to unfold the secrets of prayer, analyze the philosophy of it and explain how it works.

I: Thanksgiving

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thes.5: 16-18)

 The highest form of prayer and the most uplifting one is thanksgiving. Paul instructs Thessalonians to pray constantly, rejoicing and giving thanks to the Lord under all circumstances. This is the will of God, as He knows that such prayer serves our highest good. It is for our own benefit in the here and now. So we should endeavor to thank God, regardless of our circumstances!

 It is easy to thank the Almighty when things go well with us. But who can rejoice and be thankful amidst calamities? How easy is it to...