Why We Should Pray
You might ask, “If God already knows what we need before we ask, why even bother praying?” Scripture makes a very strong case for prayer in the life of the believer.
Jesus told us to pray.
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). We should pray simply because Jesus told us to and emphasized it in His life and teaching. There really is no better reason to pray than this.
Prayer is God’s appointed way of obtaining things.
James 4:2 says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” Do you ever wonder why you never seem to know the will of God for your life, why you never have any opportunities to lead others to the Lord, or why you always seem to be just scraping by? Maybe you haven’t seen answers because you’ve failed to ask God. God wants us to experience the blessings of seeing our prayers answered, such as the salvation of a loved one, or perhaps a divine healing, or a wonderful provision. But we first have to ask.
Prayer is the way God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry.
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
King Jehoshaphat, after praying to God for deliverance, sent singers out in front of the army, singing praises to God. They sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). And their enemies attacked one another. Jehoshaphat understood what it meant to present his petition to God with thanksgiving.
Prayer is one of the ways we make ourselves ready for the return of Jesus Christ.
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will be as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34–36).
As believers living in the last days, our lives should be characterized by watchfulness and prayer (see also Mark 13:32–33). Whatever concerns you may have right now, it is always time to pray! Remember, Scripture tells you to “cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
