JUST THINKING: Why Do We Pray?
I was just thinking about how blessed we mere humans are to have the privilege to pray to the Almighty, the Creator of all that exists. Which brings about the question, “Why do we pray?” Here are some of my thoughts on why we pray:
• To respond to Christ’s example. Apparently, the apostles had not heard Jesus pray except maybe to bless a meal, but they knew He did. Their response was, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1 NIV). If Jesus prayed, we should as well.
• To render praise to God for Who He is and what He does. The pattern of prayer Jesus gave His followers was with the recognition of the holiness of the Father. Prayer should always include praise! “Father, hallowed be your name” (Luke 11:2).
• To request provisions for our needs. Petitioning the Lord is important. Jesus said that the apostles should say, “Give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). I remind you that He emphasized needs and not wants. Do we have to ask that our needs be met? No. But apparently, God desires that we do so. Here is a great truth. Jesus said we should not be like the babbling pagans. “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him, (Matt. 6:8). When we pray, we don’t have to come before Him with flowery words, but humble hearts.
• To remember that we sin. We are eternally forgiven and rescued from sin’s condemnation at the moment of our salvation. However, we still sin as long as we dwell in these earth suits. Christ said we should be reminded of such truth — especially when we tend to be unforgiving to our family and friends. He said we should pray, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us…” (Luke 11:4).
This causes us to realize the heavy responsibility that comes with bearing grudges. Believers who won’t forgive others stand to be temporarily chastised by God, despite being eternally forgiven.
• To reinforce our spiritual growth. Prayer is communication with the God of creation and re-creation. When we are saved, we become newborns, spiritually speaking. We become children of God and, as with any father-child relationship, communication is of utmost importance. As believers pray, they reinforce their spiritual maturation. The Holy Spirit, who indwells each believer, enables them to do so!
• To relay our concern for others. One of the most important aspects of our privilege to pray is intercession. That is the act of intervening on behalf of others. There are so many reasons to intercede as we pray. Some may need our prayers for their salvation. Some may need comfort during grief. Others may need our intercession when doubts and fears assail them. Sometimes we need to intercede because a friend requests that we do so. Intercession for loved ones, church leaders, community and national leaders and even enemies is a mark of spiritual development in believers.
• To reflect thanksgiving to God. There are times when a believer may pray while driving to work (just don’t close your eyes!). It can be done at the family dinner table. A believer can thank God in a prayer closet. And certainly, it can be in a worship service. Here’s what the Word of God says as Paul wrote to his young protégé, Timothy: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (I Tim. 1:1-2).
• To relish our relationship with the Lord. I am reminded of a song written by Dottie Rambo that is rarely sung today. Some of the lyrics are: “I didn’t come here to ask you for anything. I just came to talk with you Lord. You’ve answered a million prayers or more that I forgot to thank you for. I just came to talk with you, Lord.”
Prayer is such a tremendous privilege. We lowly humans, because of what Jesus did for us on Calvary, have the honor, the opportunity and the relationship to speak to the Supreme One, Jehovah, the one true God. I urge you to relish that wonderful relationship.
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Dr. Tom Mitchell
Dr. Tom Mitchell pens a column titled, Just Thinking, in which he addresses many topics relative to the Baptist Missionary Association. His Trailblazers series provides biographies of many BMA trailblazers from the past.
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