But WHY should I pray? (Part 1)

So, you’re struggling with prayer, isn’t it? 

Sometimes it becomes a little boring (oh no! How can you say that!), and sometimes you feel it is pointless, as nothing seems to change. 

Other times, you simply don’t know how or what to pray about. And this makes you feel guilty and hopeless.

 

Are these prayer struggles familiar to you?

 

Before we proceed jot down a few reasons you believe YOU should pray. (Not in general, but your thoughts for your own life).

 

Have you written them down?

 

Let's continue...

 

Contrary to popular belief, the goal of prayer isn't to ask God for things. A prayer that consists of reciting a few common phrases and then quickly listing your requests is not all there is to it.

 

THE MOST SURPRISING REASON FOR PRAYER:

 

Let's consider Adam and Eve's relationship with God before they sinned. 

• They had no need for prayer requests because they had everything they required. 
• There were no troublesome neighbours, financial worries, work issues, illness, poverty, or enslavement. 
• Yet, they spent time with God when He daily came to walk with them in the Garden of Eden.

 

What do you think they talked about? Remember, prayer is communication. For communication to be effective, it must include both speaking and listening.

 

They were building an intimate relationship with God. 

No relationship can thrive without communication. This is the essence of prayer - to establish a connection with God and draw closer to Him.

 

After the fall of man into sin, prayer took on a new form, and requesting things became a part of it. However, that was never the primary purpose of prayer.

 

OTHER REASONS YOU SHOULD PRAY:

 

1.      It is God’s will for your life

Thessalonians 5.16-18 - Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

2.      God answers prayer and thus receives the glory (Link)

John 14.13-14 - And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

2 Corinthians 1.20 - For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

 

3.      Prayer is part of God’s salvation plan and you can participate in this

1 Timothy 2.1-4 - Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

4.      It will shift your focus away from yourself to others

Galatians 6.2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 1.9-11 - Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

 

5.      To enhance your spiritual growth

Jude 1.20-21 - But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 

6.      It’s a way of loving others and thus brings us closer to the heart of God

Matthew 5.43-45 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;

 

7.      You can become part of advancing the spread of the Gospel

Matthew 9.37-28 - Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.”

2 Thessalonians 3.1 - Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,

 

8.      Prayer is the way we conduct spiritual warfare

Ephesians 6.14-18 - Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints …

 

All in all, prayer is an invaluable tool for spiritual nourishment and growth. 

 

There are many more reasons to pray.

 

So, once again reflect on why YOU should pray and see what other reasons you can find.  I'd love to hear your reasons in the comments! Or share what touched your heart most in this article. I’ll appreciate to hear from you.

 

In my next article, I'll explain one of the most important reasons we should pray. THIS LINK will take you to that article.

 

Until next time

STEF ESPAG