Why Pray?

Today's Prayer

God's Word Calls Us to Pray
One key reason to pray is because God has commanded us to pray. If we are to be obedient to His will, then prayer must be part of our life in Him. Where does the Bible call us to prayer? Several passages are relevant:

• "Pray for those who persecute you" –Matthew 5:44 (NIV) [1]
• "And when you pray …" –Matthew 6:5
• "This, then, is how you should pray …" –Matthew 6:9
• "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." –Romans 12:12
• "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." –Ephesians 6:18
• "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." –Philippians 4:6
• "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." –Colossians 4:2

Prayer Allows us to Participate in God's Works
Does God need our help? No. He is all powerful and in control of everything in His creation. Why do we need to pray? Because prayer is the means God has ordained for some things to happen. Prayer, for instance, helps others know the love of Jesus. Prayer can clear human obstacles out of the way in order for God to work. It is not that God can't work without our prayers, but that He has established prayer as part of His plan for accomplishing His will in this world.

Prayer Gives us Power Over Evil
Can physical strength help us overcome obstacles and challenges in the spiritual realm? No, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). But in prayer even the physically weak can become strong in the spiritual realm. As such, we can call upon God to grant us power over evil.

Prayer Keeps us Humble Before God
Humility is a virtue God desires in us (Proverbs 11:2; 22:4; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 4:2; James 4:10). Prayer reminds us that we are not in control, but God is, thus keeping us from pride.

Prayer Strengthens the Bonds Between Believers
Prayer not only strengthens our relationship with God, but when we pray with other believers, prayer also strengthens the bonds between fellow Christians.

Prayer Can Succeed Where Other Means Have Failed
Have all your options been exhausted? Prayer can succeed where other means have failed. Prayer should not be a last resort, but our first response. But there are times when sincere prayer must be offered in order to accomplish something.

 
Previous days Prayers
Day 1:  8 January: Faith​
​Day 2:  9 January: Keeping God First
Day 3:  10 January Prayer: Family​
Day 4: 11 January 2018: Community​
Day 5: January 12th  Psalm 139
Day 6: January 13, 2018 Be Strong & Courageous​
Day 7: January 14th: Guide Book​
Day 8:  January 15th - Prayer​
January 17th: Thankful for the Holy Spirit