Why pray? August 12, 2013
MartinLuther suggested: “As it is the business of tailors to make clothes and of cobblersto mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray.” He’s certainlyright, judging from texts like “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes 5:17) and “Beconstant in prayer” (Rom 12:12). Many Christians (including me) find, however,that diligent prayer is one of the most difficult disciplines in their life. Soin an effort to help me (and you) stay motivated in this area, I’vebrainstormed a half-dozen reasons we should pray:
- Godenjoys hearing His people pray. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abominationto the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight” (Pro 15:8). Want tobring a song to the heart of God? Set yourself to praying.
- Jesus authorizedus to petition Him in His own holy name. “If you ask me anything in my name, Iwill do it” (Jn 14:14). The King’s Son has granted us access to heaven’smagnificent treasure chamber, plus the astonishing right to plunder it inHis own name. This is a privilege and an opportunity we would be mostfoolish to neglect!
- The needs in ourlives, in our church, in our nation, and in our world demand it. Huge crisesand desperate times are upon us on nearly every front. Our first reaction isoften to look to bailout plans, military might, or personal savvy to protectus; but in reality, only supernatural forces are adequate to stem this tide.
- God acts when wepray. Charles Spurgeon put it so memorably: “Prayer is the slender nerve thatmoves the muscles of omnipotence.” This is good news indeed, especially inlight of the bad news that comes at us from virtually every source other thanthe Scriptures.
- Evangelisticeffectiveness depends on prayer. If we want the word of the Lord to “speedahead and be honored” (2 Thes 3:1) in Parker and the surrounding areas, we mustpray.
- Not prayingensures not receiving. “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).How many blessings have we missed for lack of prayer? Conversely, how manyanswered prayers might we see in the coming months if we would commit ourselvesto “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes 5:17) and “Be constant in prayer” (Rom12:12)?