In our culture, prayer isn’t exactly a foreign concept. When tragedies hit, our social media feeds get flooded with promises of “thoughts and prayers.” There are dozens of popular songs that mention prayer (like Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer”). When something bad happens, we often say, “I’ll pray for you.” Children are reminded to “say your prayers.”
The idea of prayer is thrown around so freely that over time it’s lost some of its meaning. But prayer really does matter - here’s why.
What is Prayer?
God wants a relationship with us, and just like with friends and family, a relationship with God is built on communication. Prayer is how we communicate with God.
Matthew 6:5-7 tells us God doesn’t want us to put on a show or say what we think he wants to hear when we pray. We don’t have to use formal or religious-sounding language. Prayer is more like taking a walk with a friend and talking about anything and everything. Over time, the relationship develops into a comfortable and safe space to be honest.
Can I really talk to God about anything?
The Bible is full of gritty and honest prayers. God is okay with our questions, doubts, fears, and disappointments. In fact, he wants us to come to him with these kinds of things. The Psalms are full of prayers like this. Take a deep dive into the Psalms with this 14-day Bible Reading Plan!
Why Do We Pray?
Philippians 4:6 says: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Here are some reasons why prayer is worthwhile:
- Prayer brings us closer to God. James 4:8 tells us that if we make the effort to “come close to God” he will connect with us. Psalm 145:18 says that God is near to all who call on him. Talking to God keeps us close to him.
- Prayer helps us access God’s guidance and wisdom. James 1:5 says: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” In 2 Chronicles 1:10, Solomon, who has been called one of the wisest men to live, prayed: “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” When we come to God asking for direction, he’ll give it to us!
- Prayer helps us receive God’s comfort and strength. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul uses armor as a metaphor to describe the way God protects us. Verse 18 shows us that prayer is a key way we put on this armor. Matthew 26:41 says: “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!'” And in Romans 8:26-27, we are told that the Spirit of God often prays for us when we aren’t sure how to pray. Sometimes the prayer “Help!” is all we’ve got.
- Our prayers can benefit others. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 teaches us to pray for all people. Praying for others gets our focus off ourselves and onto the needs of the people around us. Galatians 6:2-3 tells us to “share each other’s burdens” and to help others. While God can do anything, he often uses us to help others.
Other benefits of prayer
- Prayer strengthens our faith. Talking with God deepens our understanding of him and brings us closer to him. It changes our focus from ourselves and our circumstances to God, a change that Isaiah 40:26-31 promises will allow us to gain new strength, soar like eagles and walk and run without fainting. Jude 1:20 teaches us that prayer keeps us “safe in God’s love.”
- Prayer enhances emotional well-being. Prayer reduces stress and anxiety. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are told that God’s peace that exceeds understanding is tapped into when we pray. By praying, we are reminded that God is in control, that he loves us, and that his peace will guard us even in the worst of life’s storms.
- Prayer strengthens our relationships. Colossians 6:9-14 shows how praying with others can encourage and build others up. Hearing others pray reminds us of God’s faithfulness and helps us look at situations differently. We may also catch a glimpse of how God sees others, which can break down barriers to unity and strengthen relationships so the church is more effective.
Make prayer a daily habit
The Nike slogan “Just Do It” applies to prayer just as easily as it applies to exercise. Both exercise and prayer are good for us. Both can be difficult habits to start or maintain. Like exercise, prayer becomes more comfortable the more we do it.
So, what’s holding you back from starting to pray, or from praying more honestly? Is it a lack of time? Choose a time each day on your calendar that is for prayer. Maybe start with just a few minutes. Is it location? Make sure you get yourself to a place free from distraction. Do your thoughts distract you? Consider starting a prayer journal to write your prayers or use one of the prayer apps. Is it not knowing what to pray? Try incorporating Bible verses into prayer, or putting on a worship song.
Prayer changes us for the better. It changes our focus. It changes our perspectives. It changes our feelings. So just pray!
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As you spend more time in prayer, it’s natural for doubt to creep in - does prayer really work?
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