Introduction to Prayer

About this course

Introduction to Prayer begins where most teaching on prayer never goes: with the identity of the one who prays. Apostle Mary Banks opens the course with the account of a burden she carried home from three successful meetings, the grief of seeing that our relationship with the Father was not manifesting the Sonship of the script. Out of that place of prayer and fasting came the teaching that fills this course, given largely in the Father's own voice as she recorded it: “Love is the foundation for prayer and prayer is the platform for our relationship.”

The four lessons lay the foundation. Begotten of God confronts the doctrine of a dual nature and shows from Hebrews 10 that the Father has finished a work of sanctification in spirit, soul, mind and body, and why prayer is impossible without believing it. Born Again Jesus destroys the excuse that Jesus had an advantage that kept Him from sin, and traces how He who knew no sin became sin, died the death of a sinner, and was begotten again from the dead as the first of many brothers. Our Father shows why Jesus taught the disciples to pray “Our Father”, a family relationship that had never before existed, and how iniquity in the heart rebuilds the middle wall of partition Christ tore down, so that we pray amiss. Identifying with the Father gives prayer its working definition, traces the human spirit out of the flesh and into the Spirit of God, and sets out what the Father requires of His sons from the prophecy of the 82nd Psalm.

Who this course is for

This course is for the born-again believer who wants an effectual prayer life and is willing to have his or her own understanding of salvation examined. The teaching assumes the born-again experience: as the Father says in Lesson Two, one who has never had it will not be able to comprehend these principles, for they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). It is foundational preparation for the further courses on prayer and intercession.

How you are assessed

• Chapter quizzes, 60% of your grade
• Final exam, 40% of your grade
• Passing score: 70% or higher

Each lesson also includes a self-evaluation discussion. These are designed as a tool for you to examine how you are applying the teaching to your own individual life, please answer honestly and thoroughly.

Course content © Mary Banks, Bible Teachers Global Training Center.