Why bother praying?
Time and time again I hear that prayer is one of the hardest spiritual disciplines to put into practice. Unlike reading your Bible, it’s a lot harder to quantify what is considered success, is it praying for 10 minutes? 30? Even more? Even though it is hard to sometimes find the time to pray or what to pray about, we are continually told throughout God’s Word that it is important to pray often. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Even with what The Word tells us, why should we pray? Why is it so important that we pray?
Seeking God’s Guidance: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Prayer allows Christians to seek God’s guidance and direction in their lives. By approaching Him with humility and a sincere heart, believers can find comfort in knowing that God has a plan for their lives and will lead them on the right path.
Finding Strength in Times of Need: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). Life is filled with challenges and hardships, and Christians often turn to prayer as a source of strength and solace. By seeking God’s help and relying on His promises, believers can find comfort, peace, and deliverance during times of trouble.
Expressing Gratitude: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Prayer provides an opportunity for Christians to express their gratitude and thankfulness to God for His blessings and provisions. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, believers develop a deeper appreciation for God’s faithfulness and provision in their lives.
Interceding for Others: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is not solely for personal needs but also for interceding on behalf of others. Christians are called to lift up their brothers and sisters in prayer, seeking God’s intervention, healing, and blessing for those in need. It is a selfless act that demonstrates love and care for fellow believers.
Developing a Relationship with God: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Prayer is a means of developing a deeper relationship with God. It fosters intimacy, trust, and open communication between believers and their Heavenly Father. Through prayer, Christians experience the joy of being in God’s presence, knowing that He hears their prayers and responds according to His perfect will.
Prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, enabling believers to seek God’s guidance, find strength in difficult times, express gratitude, intercede for others, and develop a deeper relationship with Him. Through the power of prayer, Christians tap into a divine connection that transcends the limitations of this world. Let us embrace this privilege and approach God with faith, knowing that He listens, answers, and transforms lives through the transformative power of prayer.
