Last week one of the viewers of “Foundation for Life,” the television ministry of First Baptist Church, asked why we pray. He affirmed we do not try to change God’s mind when we pray. Therefore, he wanted to know the value of prayer.
Actually, he answered his own question as he suggested that praying helps change our attitudes toward what happens to us.
As I reflected on his question I began to formulate an answer for why we pray.
Here is why I pray.
First, I pray to be close to God and to live in relationship with Him. When I pray, I am speaking to God and listening to God speaking to me. I cannot overemphasize the importance of simply being with God in prayer. As the viewer emphasized, we need to hear from God and let Him change us. Prayer accomplishes that very important need.
Second, I pray to get guidance from God. While I would be happy for God to do what I want, I really need to know what God wants. Praying helps me to understand the guidance of God. I have often written about one of my life verses: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I want to let God direct my thoughts and decisions.
Third, I pray to praise God. My prayer time is a worship time–and it is wonderful. As I express gratitude and praise God, my soul is being refreshed and my heart is being renewed. A genuine cleansing comes when I praise God in prayer.
Fourth, I pray to ask forgiveness, to repent, and to know again that I am loved of God in spite of myself.
Fifth, I pray to intercede for others who desperately need hope that can only come from God. I am thankful to call the names of others before the Father.
Finally, I pray asking for the favor and blessing of my loving, kind, caring heavenly Father. I pray for God’s blessing on my life and ministry.
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May God bless you as you pray to Him.
5 Responses
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [Jesus]
Mat 7:22-23
Here is one of the main reasons that I talk to Jesus. I don’t want to just talk about Him, read about Him, teach about Him, profess Him as I my Lord: I want to know Him–and I want Him to know me. When I meet Him, I want to be meeting a Friend with Whom I am well acquainted. Talking to Him, and listening in the Spirit is one of the most powerful manifestations of true faith. Why would I talk to someone unless I believe in his existence? And if I believe in His existence, why would I never or rarely talk to Him?
Mark, well said. I have often been reminded of my twins with Him as now my parents and best friend. It is a confidence that we are to draw others to Him as we travel through this side of eternity. Thank you for your comments. Much of my travel has been supported only by the prayers of now departed Saints, those prayers made a difference as others like sheep, have turned their own way. Romans 12:4&5 is more than a building or prayer for health. It is a realization of His Blessings: “Having then gifts differing according to the Grace that is given to us..,” is but a partial list summed up in verse 9 and 10.
Dr. Bailey, Doc, put it well: “Why I pray.” May we grow together realizing the Worship of those who went before us that we may have these opportunities.
Blessings
I was immobile for 39 days and I learned a lot about prayer. I know God is waiting to hear from me (Everyone). I have learned to be still and listen. I believe God is always trying to speak to us but so many times we are too busy to hear. When we are still that’s when we can really feel his gracious presence. And that is a fabulous place to be.
Something Jesus comamds of us that is so easy and can be so comfortable yet has so much power! Thank You Jesus!
Thanks to all of you for adding to the conversation by thoughtful comments about prayer.