Reflection Paper: Prayer as Practical Theology and its Significance

This reflection paper examines prayer within the context of practical theology, exploring its significance and impact. The paper defines prayer as a request to God and explores how theological study informs belief and understanding of the divine. It emphasizes prayer as a practice that connects faith and daily life, highlighting the importance of consistent action and belief. The author discusses the purpose of prayer in practical theology, emphasizing its role in applying theological knowledge and connecting faith to real-life experiences. Furthermore, the paper delves into the connection between prayer, faith, and life, underscoring how prayer facilitates communication with God, and the importance of faith in receiving answers. It also touches upon the diverse theological themes revealed through prayer, such as God as provider, counselor, and a relational being, and how prayer addresses human needs. The reflection highlights prayer as a lifestyle that gives purpose and meaning, emphasizing the expectation of divine response and gratitude for blessings.

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Reflection Paper
Name
Institution

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Prayer
How is Prayer Practical Theology?
Prayer is the act of making a request, and it is diversely perceived as an application made unto
God. Theology is a study mostly taught in high-level education institutes such as the universities
and seminaries, and it focuses on the nature of the divine. Through the understanding of the
divine nature, an individual can gain belief and knowledge, and hence, make prayer believing for
a divine or supernatural answer. The theological study emphasizes the existence of God and His
divine power, which an individual can rely on as the source of their needs. Although being an
authoritative source that can give forth even without request, people are encouraged to play their
part, which in this case is praying as a way of making requests to God. Prayer then becomes one
way in which theology is practiced. The theological practice of prayer becomes a developed
habit by those who believe that through it, their needs are met. Prayer is practically proving one's
belief in God in whichever way they believe God to be. Theology shapes the individual's through
prayer because a person is required to demonstrate a lifestyle of faith and prayer. It is through
action that a person can be identified as a theologian through the way they practice and hold onto
their faith.
Purpose of Prayer in the Field of Practical Theology
Prayer is essential in the field of practical theology in that what is understood through
studying theology can only be achieved through prayer and action. Meditating on the knowledge
gained through theology is a way of prayer. Putting it into action is the expression that one
believes that the theological perception is going to be implemented in their life. Knowing should
yield action, and therefore the individual should consistently act what they have understood from
theology. Prayer involves seeking knowledge consistently and persistently. Theological

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knowledge may not have an impact if not put into practice as a way of living. The way we live
has to be connected to God or to the faith we have in the divine nature which we look up to.
When one has theological knowledge, it is hard to ignore the impact that the knowledge of God
has on our mind and our being. The divine knowledge becomes a hitting hammer that one has to
pay attention to, seek its focus, and follow it. If we fail to apply theological knowledge, then it
becomes useless in our lives. When I pray, I practically put in action the words that I wish for
myself and others. I persistently seek into the divine nature for a response, believing that it shall
come to pass. The knowledge in theology keeps stirring the heart concerning the various issues
that I focus on, and then I apply what I believe is what will work for specific needs that I am
praying about.
Prayer Connection to Faith and Life
Prayer practically connects faith and life in that we believe for things that we need to be
functional in our life. Through prayer, I communicate with God concerning my joys, sorrows,
hopes, and dreams, as well as my fears and anxieties. When I pray, my expectation is that God
will answer according to my desire. The expectation is the theological theme revealed in prayer,
and it is referred to as faith. Faith moves God to answer prayers. When people pray without faith
prayers do not get answered. Faith is a prayer theme that cannot be ignored every time one is
praying. Prayer by faith speaks things into our life. Prayer is a profound act of faith that is
practiced consistently, making it a lifestyle that people adapt. Prayer gives life a purpose and a
reason to move on, to wait, and even to put into action one's desires. When I pray, I believe that
God will answer my prayer by providing what I need. Once I get my needs met, I use prayer to
thank God. Some of the prayers I pray include prayer for everyday personal needs and for others.
In prayer, I convey my honor and thanks for the good things in my life and the people around

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me. When making prayer, it is to meet physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. Prayer reveals
various theological themes that explain the nature of God in diverse ways. Depending on the
situation, prayer reveals God as a provider, counselor, judge, merciful God, and a person to relate
with. Human beings do not only need material things to meet their needs, but a relationship with
God also means that an emotional and psychological need has been met. Therefore through the
various needs of individuals, God is expected to act in diverse ways that will benefit each one in
a personal way. But at the end of the, He does His will.