Why Pray?
As I’ve thought about prayer one word keeps popping into my head, ‘Why.’ More specifically, Why do I pray?
The answer to that question can be quite simple, Because the Bible tells us to pray. However, it can become quite complex when we really think about it. Yes, we are to pray, but what are we to pray, how are we to pray, how often should we pray, where should we pray, and list goes on and on. As a foundation for answering the question, Why, I made a simple list of some reasons to have a conversation with God. Here are just a few…
Looking for answers
Asking for intervention or help
To build a relationship
Preparing for an approaching tough time or task
Offering gratitude, praise, worship
Seeking comfort, peace, and/or rest
Often misunderstood Bible verses are Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” And, Matthew 21:22, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” However, these verses should be considered along with John 14:13,14 “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
There is two key components I don’t want you to miss. The first is, “in my name.” This phrase is used in each verse and drives the one offering prayer to consider the context in which they are asking. In My Name implies the prayer is in line with the teachings and instructions provided by Christ Jesus. In the name of something means they would have made a similar request if in a similar situation. It should be noted, however, we don’t always know what the correct request is because we are not Christ. That’s why the Bible says in Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
The second component to not miss is the phrase, “that the Father may be glorified.” How will the Father, God be glorified by doing what is being asked? Again, we may not know, but we should at least take a minute to chew on that thought before we ask for anything. It’s perfectly okay to say, “I have no idea how God will be glorified other than to help me know He’s listening.”
It should also be noted, prayers are answered in three ways, Yes, No, and Not Now. Just because things don’t happen the way we ask, even if we ask with the right intentions, doesn’t mean the prayer was not answered. In that context, sometimes our asking is simply a way to help us be okay with however the prayer is answered even when we can’t wrap our heads around the answer. For example, when a child dies from an illness, a job is lost, or any number of events that we can clearly see a way to glorify God in our request but He chooses to allow a different outcome.
It is not ours to always understand, it is only ours to trust there is a reason and that reason will ultimately glorify God. Prayer is a tough topic, and sometimes difficult to practice but it’s a critical part of the Christian life.
One more thing, it’s okay to tell God you don’t understand and you don’t like the answer, He’s a big God and can handle the venting. Just be sure to be quiet for a bit after you finish venting long enough to give Him the opportunity to show you His love. You may not ever understand His Why but you can still find peace and comfort in His presence.
So, while there are many reasons to pray, there is ultimately one reason at the core of every prayer, to grow our faith and trust in God.
