Why should we pray?
- Michelle Wood: SWCD
- October 18, 2009
- 741
The need for prayer can be likened to the need for sleep. Prolonged sleep deprivation is proven to inhibit productivity. Irritability, confusion, and lack of growth are a sample of concerns that accompany those who fail to sleep.
The case for prayer must not be built upon the need, but rather the side effects of the life without prayer. Prayer brings into our life all things spiritual. It opens up a line of communication between us and God. Essentially, prayer brings everything into perspective. Prayer is a personal expression of our innermost burdens. It is an open line of communication with the Father.
Prayer accompanies hope. Prayer resolves the matters of everyday stress that render us irritable. Prayer ushers us before the throne of God, granting wisdom on the irreconcilable confusion that clouds each day. Prayer keeps us grounded and in focus. It gives us the ability to interact with God.
Without prayer, life becomes difficult. However, the dilemma is that for many, prayer often succumbs to the savage war of attrition against our time, burdens, and priorities. One day may come, when we forget to pray, because we were busy. The next day, a conflict at work or at home arises. The issue, rather than prayer, occupies our mind.
As hours become days, and days into weeks, we subtly fall captive to a lifestyle void of the priority of prayer. The absence of prayer is the twilight of faith. Without it, our spiritual life crumbles. The same burdens that confronted us before now are amplified. Personal and spiritual growth is hindered, and we find ourselves wondering what is wrong with our current position in life.
Prayer is the conduit between our personal lives and God's infinite wisdom. He is omniscient, already knowing the burdens of our hearts. Yet, when we pray, it is as if His children have come to spend time with their Father.
Life without prayer is spiritual anorexia. We cannot wonder why we endure hardships if we fail to pray. Granted, hardships and suffering will still be a regular part of life; however, they are much easier to endure with prayer.
Prayer is powerful, and wonderfully mysterious. Yet, God wants us to pray. It is a blessing to come before a loving father and lay everything at the throne, knowing every burden will be addressed with infinite wisdom.
The greatest thing about prayer is that it is remarkably easy. Many times we don't pray, because we fear we are not capable. By all means, one should speak eloquently when addressing the Lord of Heaven, should he not? We need to know that the Lord is impressed with the direct and heartfelt prayer, devoid of fancy words. "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." (Matthew 6:7)
However, prayer exceeds even our greatest technology. Unlike a cell phone, it does not require batteries or reception. Prayer does not even require a device. All that is needed is to lift our eyes and hearts toward Heaven. There is no formula, no series of magic words that merit attention from the Lord. There is no stature or position that catches His attention over another. We are not interrupting Him.
Prayer is the heartfelt discussion between you and God. Without it, life is incomplete. So today or tomorrow, when we are confronted with the painful reminder that life can be difficult, do not forget prayer. Make prayer a daily habit, and be ready to experience God. I am certain you would agree, that never before has a person said, "I really wish I hadn't prayed about that problem." Whatever it is, the answer is just a prayer away.
Trevor Littleton is the lead minister at Millersburg Christian Church. Comments can be made to trevor littleton@yahoo.com.