Question
As we consider the descriptions of people praying in the Bible, what may we conclude about who may pray?
Only those who complete a training course about prayer may pray.
Only pastors and priests may pray.
Only apostles may pray.
Only those who memorize the Lord’s Prayer may pray.
Anyone may pray.
Only those who complete a training course about prayer may pray.
Only pastors and priests may pray.
Only apostles may pray.
Only those who memorize the Lord’s Prayer may pray.
Anyone may pray.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
Anyone may pray.
The Bible shows people from every background praying—no special course, office, or memorization is required. Examples and teaching:
- Jesus teaches prayer for all his followers (Matthew 6:5-6; Luke 11:1–13).
- A tax collector (a despised sinner) is commended for praying (Luke 18:9–14).
- A criminal on the cross prays and receives mercy (Luke 23:42–43).
- Hannah, David, Solomon, prophets, and ordinary Israelite men and women all pray (1 Samuel 1; Psalms; 1 Kings 8).
- A Gentile centurion’s servant and Cornelius (a God‑fearing Gentile) appear in contexts of prayer (Luke 7:1–10; Acts 10).
- Paul urges that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” be made for all people (1 Timothy 2:1–8).
There is biblical encouragement to learn and grow in prayer (the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray), but nothing restricts prayer to clergy, apostles, or those who have memorized a formula.
The Bible shows people from every background praying—no special course, office, or memorization is required. Examples and teaching:
- Jesus teaches prayer for all his followers (Matthew 6:5-6; Luke 11:1–13).
- A tax collector (a despised sinner) is commended for praying (Luke 18:9–14).
- A criminal on the cross prays and receives mercy (Luke 23:42–43).
- Hannah, David, Solomon, prophets, and ordinary Israelite men and women all pray (1 Samuel 1; Psalms; 1 Kings 8).
- A Gentile centurion’s servant and Cornelius (a God‑fearing Gentile) appear in contexts of prayer (Luke 7:1–10; Acts 10).
- Paul urges that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” be made for all people (1 Timothy 2:1–8).
There is biblical encouragement to learn and grow in prayer (the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray), but nothing restricts prayer to clergy, apostles, or those who have memorized a formula.
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