Faith: Why Pray?
As a child I was always so inclined to pray, looking back on my childhood I was a very spiritual child. I remember praying to God when I wanted a friend to sleep over, when I wanted to go to my favorite restaurant or when I felt sad. My parents were not very religious and I for the most part didn’t grow up around prayer but as I child it was something I always did on my own. As I moved into my teenage years and accepted Christ into my life and went to church I began to see prayer as a chore. I remember my church would have prayer every week for an hour, each person was to go to their corner and pray. It was one of the hardest things for me to do. I would pray for maybe 8 minutes and then just sit there trying not be uncomfortable in a bended kneed position for 52 minutes, my eyes would start to water and I was constantly looking at the clock. Needless to say as an adult I had to reconnect with my child like spirit that was so inclined to pray. I want to share some reasons that may motivate you to pray.
Jesus prayed all the time. You would think the son of God wouldn’t need to actually talk to God for relief, instruction and fulfillment you would think that God would just know. However, scripture tells a different story. Jesus prayed all the time. He often had to retreat to pray after pouring out word for the people, he prayed before major events, he prayed for healing and basically prayed for everything. So if Jesus the son of the almighty God had to talk to God to fulfill his destiny and purpose on earth that means I too need the same prayerful relationship with God. “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39
It shows God we trust him. Yes we tell people “We are trusting in the Lord” we have a number of popular christian sayings that convey our trust but do we really trust God? If we are not going to God with our troubles, thoughts and fears how can we expect him to work those things out? Lack of prayer in our walk with God shows lack of trust. Yes, the holy spirit that lives in us intercedes on our behalf however, many times God is waiting on us to go to him instead of our family,friends and co-workers. He wants the relationship of trust through prayer. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” Philippians 4:6
It allows us to vent. My prayer tends not to be fancy or overrun with super spiritual words it is just an open and honest dialogue with God. The conversational tone of my prayers helps me to really tell God every single thing. Who better to vent to then the creator of the universe who can actually do something about your troubles versus a friend or relative who just wants to know your business. I find when I vent to God instead of to another person, he gives me this overwhelming peace. I leave prayer time feeling fulfilled and content. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Prayer changes things. We have all said or heard at one time or another “I will pray for you” it often seems like the appropriate response when someone tells you something you have no answer for. Some that is very serious and there is no clear solution. However, prayer really does impact impossible situations. When we wholeheartedly believe in the change, healing and solution that only God can bring we have already activated an answer through prayer. What happens in the spiritual realm of prayer manifest itself in the natural. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
Prayer has the power to change our lives. I have the seen the evidence of a consistent prayer in my life. Why do you pray? Have you ever felt unmotivated to pray? Have you ever felt like it was a chore? Share your thoughts and comment below.