Why We Should Pray

There are many reasons as to why we should pray, but allow me to highlight three.

1. Prayer expresses our trust in God

When we pray, we are saying that we cannot do life on our own.  Much of what life has to offer is too much for one single person, and prayer expresses that truth.  Prayer is a reminder that we are just creatures, and we worship the Creator God. Praying in humble dependence indicates that we are genuinely convinced of God’s wisdom, love, goodness, and power. God wants us to pray.  It is a means whereby our trust in Him can only increase. And remember that Matthew 6:9 reminds us that it is to a loving Father that we pray. Our Father who are in Heaven, acknowledges our total dependence on God as a loving and wise Father, and recognizes that He rules over all from His heavenly throne.  We can trust Him.

1. Prayer brings us into a deeper fellowship with others

God not only wants us to trust Him, He wants us to have fellowship with one another.  Prayer works to achieve both. When we pray, we are not only brought into a deeper fellowship with God but with each other.  How is this possible? It’s possible because when we learn to pray for others’ needs and concerns and not just our own, we find our love for others will grow. No one wants to go through times of difficulty alone.  When we walk with others and pray for them, we are able to comfort and sustain one another more effectively. Even though we are not all in the same room, God’s presence can be felt by everyone, even when we pray alone.  Whether I am with someone else, or by myself, there is simply a comfort that comes when I am praying and I know others are praying with me. The lifeblood that builds that deeper fellowship is not found in standing next to others in prayer, but rather it is found in standing with others in prayer.

1. Prayer allows us to be involved in activities that are eternally important.

When we pray, the work of God’s kingdom is advanced.  In this way, prayer gives us the opportunity to be involved in a significant way.  It allows us to take part in the work of God’s kingdom and thus gives expression to our greatness as creatures made in God’s image. Again from Matthew, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done (Mt. 6:10).  When we pray, one of the things that happens is that we are reminded of the things that matter the most to God.  His kingdom priorities become our priorities. Prayer then emboldens us to go forth as the hands and feet of Christ to love and serve others and be a light in these troubling times.

May we, on this day, take heed to the responsibility that each of us carries to pray during this difficult season.

Dr. Dave Lescalleet serves as the Director Chaplaincy for PruittHealth.