Reflection and Awe Lent Series - Why Pray?

This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”(Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV)

Prayer is a foundation of our faith, but have you ever wondered why it’s so vital?

Our faith is not based on religion but on our relationship with Jesus. One main reason we pray to God is to get and stay close to Him. We were built for relationships, hard-wired for connection. Adam walked with the Lord in the garden, just sharing his day with the Father, and now, thanks to the work of Jesus, we have that open access once again. A solid, unbroken, and unbreakable line to our Father in heaven, where we can share our day, our trials and triumphs, needs, hopes, and desires with the One who cares for us the most. 

Through prayer, we draw near to God and deepen our relationship with Him.

While prayer fosters intimacy with God, it is also a way to honor and worship Him for all He does, did, and will do. He’s the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all created things, including us. Jesus died to give us life and rose again to give us victory over sin and death. We pray to give Him praise and thanks. 

Prayer is our way of expressing gratitude and awe for His greatness.

When we consider God’s greatness and holiness, we are often convicted of the many ways we have veered away from Him—our sins. In prayer, we confess our sins, seek His forgiveness, and invite Him to shape our hearts according to His will. 

Prayer allows us to seek God’s forgiveness and align our hearts with His will. 

Another reason we pray is expressed well in Jeremiah 33:2-3 (above)—prayer holds the key to unlocking revelation from heaven. It brings the truth of heaven into our reality here on earth. If we had a washing machine displaying an error code, we would contact the manufacturer to see how to fix the problem. If they put the machine together, they have the wisdom and intricate knowledge to get it working to its full potential. And so it is with our Creator. 

We pray to receive His truth and the understanding we need.

The way is clear for us to have unfiltered, real, raw, and honest conversations with God. The time is always right, no matter what time it is. Through Jesus, we have unhindered prayer access to God anytime and anywhere.

We pray to connect with God wherever we are, regardless of the time or day.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us, Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (NKJV). Because our prayer life cultivates a close, intimate relationship with the Lord, we feel comfortable coming boldly to His throne to receive mercy and find grace to help us through.

Through prayer, we find His compassion and strength to carry us through.

These are six reasons we pray, and this is not an exhaustive list by any means. Praying to God is portrayed throughout the Bible for various reasons and in different ways. Since it’s how we communicate and what we know He values, we pray to Him. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 NIV)

Prayer is our lifeline to God—a way to know Him, praise Him, and receive His guidance. Today, step toward God in prayer, listen closely for His whispers, and jot down the truths He reveals. He always answers.