We pray because it is how we communicate with God. even Jesus’ disciples had to ask for themselves: 1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
We are commanded to pray with petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving and for all people. This verse in 1 Timothy says that we do this so that we might live peaceful and quiet lives in all aspects of godliness and holiness. A peaceful and quiet life can only occur if we grow in godliness and holiness. This isn’t necessarily quiet life as in nothing bad happens – but a quiet sense of the soul. A peace that stays regardless of the chaos that ensues around you.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we might live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Prayer is the most important thing we can learn how to do. Prayer is where we learn to talk to God, understand him, connect with him, and understand ourselves.
Why is it important to pray? Prayer gives us untapped power. It unlocks, ignites, heals, transforms, empowers, and calms.
The following are five compelling and inspiring reasons why we should pray.
Psalm 66:16-20 (KJV)
16). Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
17). I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
18). If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
19). But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
20). Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
When we deal with our sin and our heart, God listens to our prayers and acts on our behalf. Leaving things unresolved makes it difficult for us to be honest, let down and vulnerable, causing our prayers to be distracted or not genuine.
Prayer is a perfect opportunity to explore our hearts, share everything with God and begin relieving ourselves of guilt and other emotions that may be weighing us down. Doing this will attract God and allow him to work in our lives.
Daniel 9:20-23 (KJV)
20). And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21). Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22). And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23). At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
Prayer initiates angelic action on our behalf. This is a concept that can be difficult for us to grasp if we are out of practice seeing the world through a spiritual lens.
The fact of the matter is that the Bible talks about spiritual battles taking place on a daily basis, and it’s our choice if we want to start believing that our prayers create activity in the spiritual realm and influence the physical realm.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (KJV)
10). Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11). Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12). For we wrestle not against* flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13). Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Prayer is a weapon that attacks and defeats the spiritual forces of evil. We weren’t meant to live our Christian lives on the defense. The Armor of God offers protection, but it also allows us to take our stand, and fight back against the dark spiritual forces.
Psalm 32:1-7 (KJV)
1). Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2). Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
3). When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
4). For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
5). I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6). For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
7). Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Prayer unlocks us, but only when we pray truthfully, and acknowledge and confess our sin. When we keep silent, we have no strength and our guilt remains. When we pray honestly, we are energized and God gives us confidence, trust, and freedom.
Prayer refocuses us on God and not on ourselves or other people. Real power comes from God, not our humanistic abilities or talents. When we pray, we stop believing we’re the only ones capable of solving problems.
Job 22:27-30 (KJV)
27). Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
28). Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
29). When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
30). He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.
Praying for others changes the course of their life. They may not even know why, but it’s true. Our prayers can give others courage, influence their decisions, and change their outcomes.
When praying, try making a concentrated effort to not just pray about yourself. Think about who you know that is in need of help, or who needs a breakthrough in a particular area in their life.