Our previous discussion on 'What is prayer' highlighted some of the reasons for 'Why we pray'. By praying to God we admit our dependence on Him and confirm our faith in His ability to help us. Also, the act of prayer is worship; it allows us to give thanks to God for His goodness.
Here are a few more reasons for prayer:
Prayer is the means through which we pursue God: God desires to have a relationship with us like He had with Adam and Eve. He wants us to pursue Him out of our own free will. Prayer is the mechanism through which we pursue God and build our relationship with Him.
- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jer.29:13)
- Pursue the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. (1Chr.16:11)
Prayer opens the door to the throne of grace:
- If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2Chr.7:14)
- Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb.4:16)
Through prayer we unlock the mysteries and wisdom of God:
- Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3)
- If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (Jam.1:5)
Through prayer we receive salvation:
- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John1:9)
- And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Acts 2:21)
Through prayer we lay our petitions and requests before the Father:
- When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (Ps.34:17)
- In my distress I called upon the Lord, to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. (Ps.18:6)
- Evening, morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. (Ps.55.17)
My Prayer
Thank you Father Yahuah, that through prayer we can come into Your presence where we are strengthened by the embrace of Your love, peace and joy. Father thank you that we can cast all our burdens upon You and that Your arm is not too short to save us or Your ear too heavy to hear us. We worship You and we praise Your name. In Jesus' name. Aman.