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Importance of Prayer

Importance of Prayer in the Christian Faith

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Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have as Christians and as followers of Christ. It can help us believers come to a greater understanding of God’s purpose for our lives. When we pray, we interact directly with God and by praying we can change situations for the better. God hears us and delights in any words we offer Him.

Prayer holds significant importance in the Christian faith and plays a central role in the lives of believers.

WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?
Prayer is a necessity in our adventure with God and a medium for exercising our authority here on earth. Without prayer, drawing near to God and learning of His will for our lives is difficult. Prayer is an invitation to fellowship and have a relationship with God. Just as it is difficult to know someone if you don’t spend time with them, prayer helps us develop a relationship with God. Romans 8:15 tells us,
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him, we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
God is our father, and like a good father, He wants to hear from His children and communicate with us. And one of the ways we can communicate, connect, and spend time with God is through prayer. And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” – Galatians 4.6.Prayer is a deliberate act that nurtures our relationship with God. It is our only way of communicating and connecting with God daily. Prayer helps us understand who God is and also who we are.
“Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.” – Jeremiah 33:3 AMP
Constant prayer helps us develop a relationship with God and also helps us find direction in our lives. God always listens and often provides the specific answers and guidance we seek. Even when He chooses not to answer immediately or in the way we might have hoped, prayer itself is a way to find peace. The purpose of prayer is not to tell God how we want Him to do things. Rather, it is to better understand Him and His ways, and also align ourselves with His will.
“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP
“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work with us.” – Ephesians 3:20 AMP
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Never underestimate the power of prayer even if you utter them in simple words – as long as your faith is nothing else but Jesus. Charles Spurgeon once said: “True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.”
PRAYER CHANGES THINGS
Prayer changes things. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! There is a tremendous amount of power when we pray. Many times we try to change things our way but God gave us a tool to do this – PRAYER! Prayer changes things. When we pray, God’s powerful hand begins to bring change, somethings great and unsearchable things happen in the spiritual realm. God hears us in whatever situation we are in at the moment. God is able and mighty to save us and deliver us from any trouble or circumstance we may find ourselves in.I love Psalms 91:15-16,
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”
God himself is telling us that when we call on Him, He won’t only answer us, but He will be with us, deliver us, honor us, but He will also satisfy us with long life and show us His salvation. That is such a premium package for just praying. What more could we ask for? What a loving and caring father He is. In Jeremiah 29:12-13, God tells us:
“Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Instead of worrying, God tells us to pray and to pray about everything. And by doing so, we will experience His peace which exceeds anything we can understand. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7”
“And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. – 1 John 5:15”
A Few Principal Reasons Why Prayer Holds Importance in the Christian Faith:
  1. Communication with God: Prayer serves as a means of direct communication with God. It allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, desires, and concerns to our heavenly Father.

  2. Strengthening Faith: Through prayer, we deepen our faith and trust in God’s plan and His presence in our lives.

  3. Seeking Guidance: We turn to prayer to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in making important decisions and discerning His will.

  4. Expressing Gratitude: Prayer offers us an opportunity to express our gratitude for God’s blessings and provisions in our lives.

  5. Confession and Forgiveness: Prayer allows us to confess our sins and seek God’s forgiveness, promoting spiritual cleansing and renewal.

  6. Intercession for Others: Through prayer, we can engage in intercessory prayer, praying for the needs and well-being of others, and demonstrating love and compassion for our neighbors.

  7. Finding Comfort and Peace: In times of difficulty, prayer provides us with solace and peace, knowing that we can cast all our anxieties upon God.

  8. Building a Relationship with God: Regular prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God, helping us to know Him better and align our lives with His teachings.

  9. Acknowledging Dependence on God: Prayer reminds us of our dependence on God’s grace and power, acknowledging that we cannot navigate life alone.

  10. Reflecting on Scripture: As Christians we often incorporate prayer with the study of the Bible, allowing us to meditate on God’s Word and apply its teachings to our lives.

As a Christian, prayer holds a significant and fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. Through prayer, we can find solace, seek guidance, express gratitude, foster spiritual connection, and find strength during difficult times. It can also provide a sense of purpose and help in developing mindfulness and self-reflection. Overall, prayer helps us build a relationship with our Creator as it brings us closer to Him, and gives comfort, meaning, and a sense of connection.Prayer is a powerful and transformative tool that strengthens our spiritual journey and draws us closer to God.

“Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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