Why Pray?
In his infinite knowledge as our Creator, God knew we would need to draw near to Him and so Christ and his apostles instructed us to pray:
- Matthew 6:9 “Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven,…”
- 1 Timothy 2:1 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men,”
- Colossians 4:2 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving;”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
- Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
- Romans 12:12 “ Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
- Ephesians 6:18 “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Jesus, in his humanity, and an example to all of us, sought out time to pray.
- Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed.”
- Luke 5:16 “But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.”
Bring your desires, your troubles, all the circumstances of your life to him.
- 1 John 5:14 “ And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
- 1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil.”
- Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 “ Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Most often people turn to prayer in times of serious life challenges or hardship. Prayer shifts our focus from our control to His will.
- Ephesians 3:20-21 “ Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”
