Why do we pray? Even for people of deep faith, this question can sometimes raise doubts. We are used to a world based on economics and rewarded only for tangible efforts. Therefore, it may seem pointless for some to fold our hands and whisper a prayer. Without a more profound understanding, one might question the benefits of prayer.
But, oh, how wrong they are. Prayer is not only an effort to draw near to God. It is an effort that brings many life-changing benefits that can change the course of your existence. So, let’s delve into the “why” of it all.
Why Do We Pray
Prayer, the cornerstone of the Christian life, is not an empty spiritual practice but a journey that reveals to us the treasures of God.
Cultivates a Personal Relationship with God
The very essence of prayer is our communion with our Heavenly Father. Every moment spent in prayer draws us more and more into an intimate relationship with the One who created us. This intimacy is the most resounding cry of the soul in our human nature. James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
Herein lies the greatest treasure of prayer: the blessing of knowing God more deeply and personally.
Read also: How to Pray to God
Empowers you to Realise your Heavenly Citizenship
Regular prayer is lifting our souls and eyes from the dust of earthly cares and realizing our place in the greater scheme of things. Prayer reminds us that our true citizenship is in Heaven, as confirmed in Philippians 3:20. We are pilgrims on a journey, and prayer is like a compass that guides our steps toward our eternal home. Admit it, this is a beautiful benefit of prayer.
Transforms Fear into Trust
Look at your own life, where the world’s dictates cause stress. Sometimes, it puts you in a state of panic. Some undefined fear becomes a constant feeling. And it is a prayer that strengthens us. What’s more, if prayer is practiced regularly, it gradually transforms the fear inside you into trust in God.
Joshua 1:9 resonates with God’s assurance, fortifying our resolve: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This trust, born of prayer, becomes our spiritual armor.
Renews Love and Hope
Understand what happens to us in prayer. God is spirit. Therefore, God touches our spirit directly. At that time, the words of prayer spoken with our lips, that is, with our body, help us to overcome our inner barriers and open our hearts to God. In this way, prayer in body and spirit allows us to be at God’s disposal.
At that very moment, each time God touches our spirit in prayer, our hope is revived, and the fire of love is kindled wonderfully, slowly, each time more and more.
This is why Romans 12:12 encourages us: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Through prayer, the love of God is poured out within our hearts, reviving us to reciprocate that love to the world around us. This is why do we pray.
Read also: Prayer for Hope
Allows the Outpouring of Grace
Prayer is the vessel through which God’s grace is poured generously into our lives and circumstances. Understand this mystery of faith, that in the daily worries of the world, the door of our heart is closed, and it is through prayer that we return to ourselves and dare to open that door again to God. Then, our Heavenly Father pours grace into your open spirit.
In such moments of sincere prayers, we remember 2 Cor 12:9, where His grace is described as sufficient, showing strength in our weakness.
Enables Interceding for Others
We live among people and inevitably influence each other’s lives. Therefore, when we stand among others in prayer, we are reminded of our interconnectedness in the Body of Christ. We realize that we are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Our intercessory prayer bears witness to the unity that Christ prayed for in John 17. When we pray for others, prayer builds bridges, mends rifts, and fosters a sense of divine community without us even realizing it. It is the life-changing benefits of prayer.
Read also: Intercessory Prayer Example
Increases Physical and Emotional Well-Being
The profound effect of prayer on our mental and physical health can never be overlooked. During prayer, we calm down and move away from everyday stress. At the same time, we allow God’s healing to affect us positively. Science and the testimonies of many believers confirm that we experience peace and healing through prayer, as 3 John 1:2 says.
Unleashes Miracles
Finally, regular prayer brings us into a realm where our faith becomes so intense that supernatural things can and do occur. In other words, it is the faith-filled cry of a believing heart that sees walls falling and mountains rolling and cries out for God’s help. And the situation changed thanks to such a prayer, although it initially seemed impossible. Such moments are called miracles.
This truth resonates forever with the promise of Mark 11:24 that we will receive what we have prayed for in faith: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Prayer Has Life-Changing Benefits
Why do we pray? In essence, prayer is not a boring duty but a spiritual lifeline, a privilege that allows us to look into the heart of God. Prayer aligns us with His will, empowers us with His strength, and infuses our lives with His transforming grace. As Christians, let’s try not to underestimate this divine gift because, in holy prayer, we grow, enrich our lives, and elevate our inner state.
