Why do we need to pray

Prayer is my communication with God. A prayer can break strong holds. When you pray earnestly, everything you ask that is according to God’s will comes to pass. Prayer brings us into God's presence. Prayer changes people. Prayer changes the world.

 Psalm 145:18-19

The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

Psalm 34:15, 17

The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.

Jesus understood the importance of prayer. But he also understood that some people like to make a "show" out of prayer, trying to impress others with their long and flowery prayers. He assured his followers that this kind of prayer had no influence with God, who understands our motives: When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.  I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full.  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Prayer allows us to minister to our God by coming to him in adoration, praising and worshipping him. Prayer puts God to work on our behalf because we have now made our requests known to him and he is obligated to answer us by his word. Our prayer authorizes God to respond to our needs and change things on our behalf. Prayer releases God to bring his will to earth and establish his kingdom on earth. Prayer allows us to hear the voice of God and receive direction and correction that will enable us to become powerful spiritual warriors. Prayer acknowledges God then he can direct our paths and order our steps. Prayer builds a hedge of protection around us. It gives us power and dominion over the works of the enemy. There is another benefit of prayer:  peace.  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Phil. 4:6-7). I suppose that we can test our prayer life and dependence upon God by the peace or lack of peace in our hearts.  In all things we are to seek the Lord and in His continued presence.  Peace will surely be our gain. Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.

Copyright © 2014 PAMELA SANTIAGO. All Rights Reserved.

Adapted from the book Journey of A Thousand Miles. To purchase the book, clickhere.