The prayer requirement, God hearing sinners, and obedience
Claim examined: Baptism and conversion
Scriptural Answer
My reply, Yes we are saved by the grace of God, however, since you state "We have to pray in order to receive Jesus Christ into our lives as Lord and Savior" you ought to be able to prove that is the case through the word of God. You state "It is not prayer that saves us, but JESUS" well then why even pray if this is the case??? God does not hear any type of "sinners prayer" as what you believe, God says in John 9:31, "Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him." Jesus is the author of "eternal salvation to all who obey Him." (Hebrews 5:9). This means that one must do something in order to be saved. Jesus ONLY saves those who love Him, and those who love Him are those who keep His commandments. (John 14:15).
KJV Scriptures Used
Read each passage in its chapter and compare the Scriptures together.