The true nature of prayer may be best ascertained from a view of the manner in which it is spoken of in Scripture. It is called:
Inquiring of the Lord Gen. 25:22
Supplication Zech. 12:10
Entreaty Ex. 8:8
Wrestling (striving) with God Rom. 15:30
Lifting up the soul Psa. 25:1
Pouring out the heart Psa. 62:8
Looking up to God Psa. 5:3
Taking hold of God Isa. 64:7
Crying 1 Sam. 7:8
Asking John 15:16
Seeking and knocking Matt. 7:7
How plainly may we see, from this method of speaking of prayer, the unacceptableness and inefficiency of cold, formal and heartless repetitions before God!