Why Should We Pray?

The Moment of Decision

Everyone has the moment: you know you should pray right now- but will you?

Laziness

It is just easier to sit here

Pride

Honestly, I know I would have to ask for help

Honestly, I know that I would have to admit that I am wrong

Honestly, I think I can handle this myself

Honestly, I am kind of embarrassed about this

Ignorance

I don’t really see the point

I don’t see how this will change anything

Lack of Faith

God doesn’t care

God can’t/won’t do anything

Why should you pray?

Wrong Reasons

NOT to tell us Him something He doesn’t know

Jesus said “Your father knows what your need before you ask Him” ()

Right Reasons

1.Because you trust

A) It is a way to expresses our trust

He can hear. He can act. He is who He says He is.

B) It is a way to grow our trust

Trust/Faith/Dependence

The most taught theme about prayer in the Bible

Egg/Scorpion- Father/Son dependence

The most correct relationship with creature-to-creator

2.Because you know God

He is good, kind, merciful, wonderful, amazing, awesome (only for God), so why wouldn’t you want to commune with the best force of good ever to exist?

He is Holy, powerful, willing/able to act

He is a person you can talk to, he can relate to you, you have a connection and relationship

3. Because you want to know Him more

He loves you

He delights in fellowship with you

Relationship, communion, togetherness

Like any relationship, it builds and strengthens with time and commitment

4. Because you are obedient

We are commanded to be in prayer- for all the reasons above

-“Now [Jesus] told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up”

- Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

- Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

5. Because you are working

Christians have the responsibility and honor to accomplish eternal things

Kingdom is advanced

Souls are saved

Hearts are changed

Physical world is changed

His Will

If we are supposed to “do our job” and praying has God change things, why don’t we just ask for what we want? How come He doesn’t grant evil/stupid/ignorant requests?

- Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

“Your kingdom come, your will be done”

We are commanded to be in prayer- for all the reasons above

-“Now [Jesus] told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up”

- Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

These verse show us a complex truth: As we pray for the good things, the things in His will, God gives them to us

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

- Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

This seems kind of annoying almost, like “so, if I ask what he wants me to ask then he will give it to me” (God as an annoying gf trying to decide where to eat)

But it isn’t that. It is God wants the perfect, best for all His children. If you ask for that, of course He will give it to you. If you ask for something bad, why would he grant that to his child who he loves?

Prayer is how faith breathes. Its how we draw our minds and hearts close to God. It is how we learn to want what God wants.