I sometimes have difficulty getting myself to pray because of certain verses like these that say God already knows what I need and desire.
Isaiah 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.
Matthew 6:8"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
I am very conscious that God already knows my thoughts and desires. Though I sometimes think if He already knows why should I bother? Well the Bible has more to say about prayer. For the sake of keeping it simple and straight to the point here are the 7 reasons we should pray. If we remain conscious of these 7 truths I believe it will at least give us some tangible reason to pray.
1. Prayer builds up our faith.
Jude 20-21 But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Do you want more faith? Prayer is the way to receive more faith according to Jude. How often do I feel like I have little faith or even display it in my daily troubles? If only I would pray more God will increase our faith by this means.
2. Prayer humbles us.
2 Chronicles 7:14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
This reason alone should get me to my knees more often than anything else. Knowing my prideful heart this is the number reason to pray.
3. Prayer strengthens us.
Psalms 27:14 Wait for the Lord;be strong[a] and courageous.Wait for the Lord.
Isaiah 30:15 For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:“You will be delivered by returning and resting;your strength will lie in quiet confidence.But you are not willing.”
Ever at your wits end? Long day of work? Children crying, husband complaining? feeling like you don't have strength to go on? Pray. God will grant you strength according to these verses.
4. Praying gives us peace.
Philippians 4:6-7"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace,for it is trusting in You.
Peace. Man I sometimes wonder if I even know the meaning of the word. Well here it is encase you don't know;
Peace: a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors."
If you want peace? Pray my friends pray.
5. "Ye have not because ye ask not."
James 4:2 "You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask."
This is quite a touchy one. God delights in giving us things we ask for. Mind you we have to be asking with the right motive. As-well as being content when He says no or wait because he knows what's good for us. There is a reason some things He won't give to us unless we ask and we will see that in the next point.
6. We are exhorted to make mention of our needs before God so that, when the answer comes, God will get the glory for it
John 11:41, 42, 45. So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You heard Me. I know that You always hear Me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so they may believe You sent Me.”
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,
When we ask for things we are supposed to give all glory to God for them when He does answer our prayers. Be it yes or no we are to give glory to Him. It just seems all the easier when He answers with a yes though. So when He does answer, I need to be giving God the glory.
7. Some answers come only after breaking through spiritual barriers, by prayer and fasting.
Daniel 10:12, 13
“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers." (Angel)
Mark 9:29 "29 And He told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
I am completely unqualified to speak about fasting because I have not done so. Never the less there is multiple places in the Bible that speaks of fasting. Some answers only come through praying fervently, frequently and even fasting. God's word is not always easy but it is true.
Last but not least lets not forget Jesus Himself spent much time in prayer not only with others but alone with God. If our Holy perfect Savior Jesus Christ God's son spent a lot of time in prayer, who are we to think we can do without it. May the Lord bless you all.
Jesus praying
Matthew 14:23 Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32-40, luke 3:21-22; 5:16; 6:12-13; 9:18, 28-29; 11:1; 22:31-32, 39-46; 23:34, John 6:15 ,Hebrews 5:7
JMScallan
"Nothing brings such leanness into a man’s soul as lack of prayer" - Charles Spurgeon