-Prayer-

 

Why pray?

We need to pray. Jesus said, "Without me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5). When we don't pray, we are trying to do things independently of God. We also deprive ourselves of what God has for us. "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2). We need to pray not only during quite times and scheduled prayer meetings but many times a day. The Bible tell us to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Jesus set the example. He took the time to be alone with His Father. At times He would rise up early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35). At other times he would spent the whole night in prayer (Luke 6:12). Facing the cross in Gentleman, he agonized in prayer (Luke 22:40-44). If Jesus, the sinless one, needed to pray, how much more we!

Why does prayer include?

Prayer is worship and thanksgiving. It means giving God the honor and respect that He, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, deserves. We adore Him for who He is and for all that He means to us. We thank Him for all He has done and will do. The psalmist praised God for His help and deliverance; for His name and His Word; for His steadfast love and faithfulness. "Because Thy Steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise Thee" (Psalm 63:3).

Prayer is confession. As we get to know God better, we learn more of our sinfulness. He points out areas of selfishness, of pride, of loving other people or things more than we love Him. It is painful to know that we have hurt the One we love by our sin, but reassuring to know we can come directly to Him and confess. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive..."(1 John 1:9).

Prayer is petition and intercession. Because God loves us, He wants us to tell Him all our concerns. He says that we should not worry about anything, but should pray about everything (Philippians 4:6,7). He also tells us to pray constantly and to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17,18). We should pray for our daily needs and for the needs of others. We should pray that our family, our friends, and our acquaintances will come to know Christ as Saviour and Lord, and that those who know Him will grow in their walk with Him.

Posted in: christian