The Importance of Prayer
By-Crickettt
People have often asked me, "Why should I bother praying if nothing changes"? My response to them is simple. God's timing is not the same as our timing. (1Peter 5:6). He does hear our prayers and moves according to His perfect plan. (Jeremiah 29:12). He is never too early or late, but is always right on time. God's plan for us is carried out according to His Will and purpose. Our Faith in Him determines how and when we see our prayers answered. We are told in the Bible to be diligent, wait upon the Lord (Psalm 27:14), and remain in Faith because without Faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6). A man who doubts is double-minded and unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8). Therefore, prayer is from the heart and is a plea for God to intervene on our behalf for ourselves or someone else. It is not a tool used for greed and personal, selfish gain. God sees the heart and He knows our true intentions. He knows everything before we ask it. Prayer was designed to remain close to God by worshiping Him, praising Him and acknowledging who He is. He said we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things that we need would be added unto us. (Matt. 6:33)
Prayer is mentioned continually throughout the entire Bible. Jesus prayed to the Father (John 17) and also taught His disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9--known as The Lord's Prayer). The Bible says we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17) because prayer moves the heart of God. We are also instructed to keep asking, seeking and knocking (Matt. 7:7). We should also pray for God's wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and discernment for He gives liberally to those who ask.
Prayer keeps us in communication with God our Father and draws us closer to Him by His Holy Spirit. People tend to get frustrated when they do not see immediate answers to their prayers. They either get mad at God and quit praying or stop believing and trusting that His plan is better. God alone knows and sees the future and what we cannot see ahead of us. Prayer is a vital part of a Christian life. He said, "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 will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Prayer has no limits because nothing is impossible for God. (Luke 1:37). When we pray, we are being obedient to God and seeking to know what His Will is for our lives and others who are in need of prayer. We are also instructed to pray for the peace and safety of Israel and Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) because, God said He would bless those who bless Israel (His chosen people) or curse those who curse His Holy people. Genisis 12:3. Jesus said men should always pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1) He wanted us to not give up or become impatient and discouraged. Jesus is our blueprint for living in obedience before the Father. Jesus would go off alone and pray. Prayer strengthens us and helps us to rely solely on God in every aspect of our lives. He tells us to lay it all at His feet and let it go. He wants us to cast all our burdens upon Him because He cares deeply for us. (1Peter 5:7)
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16). Jesus said we should pray for others, even those who are not kind to us. (Matt. 5:44). Your prayers for others can make a difference in their lives. Prayer mixed with Faith can move mountains. (Matt. 17:20)
Prayer is very important to God and it is through prayer, we are able to see His love and compassion towards all mankind. He desires that men pray everywhere; lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. (1 Tim. 2:8)
If you are struggling in your prayer life, talk to God about it and place it in His hands. He said that His ways are greater than our ways and His thoughts are greater than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)
