Why Pray?

Sam Hamstra | Nov 18, 2009

Why pray? I tried to answer that question in my sermon this past Sunday. In that message I offered five reasons to pray, though given time, I would have added one more to the list. So, here are my six reasons to pray, although I am guessing there may be more:

  1. Because prayer is natural for human beings created in the image of a Triune God.  As St. Augustine said better than anyone: Our hearts are restless until they find rest in God. This explains why wherever you find people, you find religion, and wherever you find religion, you find prayer.
  2. Because prayer is our privilege as children of God, who through faith in Christ have been made priests (I Peter 2:9) and, as such, have  been granted the opportunity to approach the throne of grace with confidence.
  3. Because God commands us to pray; it is our obligation to be "faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12). 
  4. Because prayer provides a great opportunity to thank the Lord for his goodness and grace (Psalm 116:12,17).
  5. Because prayer affords an opportunity to seek and receive God's blessing in our lives (Matthew 7:7-12).
  6. Because prayer is our life as the beloved of God.  As communication characterizes every healthy human relationship, so continuous prayer (I Thessalonians 5:17) reflects a healthy relationship between the Lover and the beloved.

Comments

Dan Lugo said:

I like that sixth point. And really appreciated the sermon, though I’ll have to admit I have been online more than in prayer this week. I guess it’s time to close the browser. :)

Sam Hamstra said:

Even though God doesn’t always answer prayers the way we want, it is still good to know that he knows everthing on our heart and wants and
knows what is best for us.

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