Why Do We Pray? Understanding the Purpose of Prayer

Prayer is often seen as a given spiritual practice for Christians. However, many Christ Followers have never asked the questions, “Why do we pray? What is the purpose of prayer?” Prayer connects us to God. It is one of the primary ways that we commune with him. It is a way for us to receive his guidance, comfort, and understand his will for us. These are just a few of the many reasons for us to pray. In this article I will talk about seven foundational reasons that show the purpose of our communing with our loving and gracious God through prayer. They are not in listed in order of importance, as all of them are important in our prayer life.

Communicating with God

One of the primary purposes of prayer is to strengthen our relationship with God by communicating with hiim. As in any relationship, communication is essential for the relationship to thrive. When we pray, we speak to God. But we also should be listening to him. Communication is two-way. We should be listening to God as much as we are speaking to him. This act of communication allows us to develop a deeper understanding of who God is and how He wants to guide our lives.

Example: A Personal Connection

Consider a young person named Sarah. She grew up attending church but never truly understood the purpose and power of prayer. As she was going trhough a tough time in her life, she decided to pray earnestly for God’s help. As she poured her heart out to God, she began to feel a sense of peace concerning what she was going through. The more she prayed, the more she felt the presence of God. She realized that prayer was not just a ritual but a way to build a closer relationship with her Creator.

Praising God for Who He Is and What He Has Done

The Psalms are full of praises to God. In Psalm 66, the Psalmist encourages the entire earth to praise God for who he is and what he has done.

Let the whole earth shout joyfully to God!
Sing about the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.
Say to God, “How awe-inspiring are your works!
Your enemies will cringe before you because of your great strength.
The whole earth will worship you and sing praise to you.
They will sing praise to your name.
— Psalm 66:1-4 CSB

Since God is the Creator of all that is…. Since he rules in truth and justice over all of creation…. Since God is love and by his love he extends to us grace and mercy… Because Jesus died for our sins, overcame death, that we might live in paradise forever… We should praise God every day that we live. One huge reason of why we pray is to give praise and glory to God.

Aligning Our Will with God’s Will

Prayer also serves as a way to help us understand God’s will and then align our will with his will. We need to be careful in this area, however. It is easy to “make God in our own image” and begin to think that our will is actually his will. The foundation of knowing God’s will is the Bible – his written word. Whatever we feel God is telling us or leading us to do, it must match up with what the Bible says. We can bring anything to God in prayer – our dreams, goals, and ambitions. If we are going to live as obedient children of God, however, we need to ask God what he wants in our lives. As we pray with an attitude of obediencce, we begin to discover that our desires begin to come into alignment with God’s purposes for our lives.

Example: Realigning Ambitions

Consider Emily, a college student planning her career. Initially, she wanted to pursue a career that would provide wealth and status. However, through dedicated prayer, she began to sense God leading her in a different direction. Through her earnest prayers and a serving in a homeless shelter during the summer, God helped her see that she had a heart and passion for serving the underprivileged. This realization not only brought her joy but also began her on a journey of seeing God’s purpose for her life.

Seeking Guidance and Wisdom

Another important reason of why we pray is to seek guidance from God. Life is full of challenges, conflict, and decisions. At times it can be very difficult to know what to do. Through prayer, we can ask God for wisdom and direction in our lives. Again, the Bible gives us some sound advice.

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God-who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly-and it will be given to him.
— James 1:5 CSB

Example: A Story of Decision-Making

Take John, who was uncertain about accepting a new job offer. He felt torn between staying in his comfortable position and jumping into the unknown. His personality was not that of a risk-taker. John and his wife entered into a time of focused prayer, asking God for wisdom concerning the new job. After several days of prayer, they felt an excitement and peace about taking the new job. Their intense time of prayer not only helped make the decision but also deepened their confidence that God is interested in every part of their lives.

Finding Peace During Difficult Times

Prayer serves as a source of comfort and peace during the storms of life. When we face challenges, hardships, or loss, turning to prayer can provide solace. It allows us to lay our worries before God, who understands our struggles and offers comfort.

Example: Coping with Grief

Imagine a person named Maria who has recently lost a loved one. During her grieving process, Maria found herself feeling overwhelmed by sadness. A friend encouraged her to pray. At first, she struggled, but she began to express her pain and confusion to God. As she continued to pray, she experienced moments of peace amid her grief. Maria noticed that her prayers helped her process her emotions and find strength in her vulnerability.

Expressing Gratitude

Prayer is also about recognizing and expressing gratitude. In our daily lives, it can be easy to take things for granted. Through prayer, we have an opportunity to acknowledge the many blessings we receive. This act of gratitude grounds us and reminds us of God’s goodness.

Example: A Daily Practice

Let’s look at David, who decided to start a gratitude journal. Each evening, he spends time in prayer thanking God for the blessings of his day. Whether it’s a kind word from a friend or a beautiful sunset, David found that his heart became lighter as he focused on gratitude in his prayers. This practice not only improved his outlook but also deepened his appreciation for God’s continuous blessings.

Interceding for Others

Prayer is not solely for our personal needs; it is also a powerful tool for interceding on behalf of others. When we pray for others, we lift their burdens before God, asking for His intervention and grace in their situations.

Example: The Power of Prayer for Friends

Consider the community of believers at a local church. One member, Lisa, learned that her friend was struggling with illness. Moved by compassion, Lisa organized a prayer session with friends to intercede for her friend’s healing. As they prayed together, they felt united and powerful. Their prayers offered hope and comfort to both the afflicted friend and the praying community. This act of intercession not only showed support but also inspired others to lift their voices to God for those in need.

Example: A Moment of Reflection

Take the example of Jessica, who felt overwhelmed and stressed. Instead of rushing through her day, she made it a practice to pause and pray at certain times. During these moments of prayer, Jessica found clarity as she reflected on her day and her feelings. This reflection helped her identify what was truly important and led her to make healthier choices that aligned with her values.

Little Known Secrets

Many people pray for various reasons, but there are deeper secrets behind the purpose of prayer that might surprise you.

1. Connection with God: Prayer is not just about asking for help; it’s a way to build a relationship with God. Just as you talk to a friend to feel closer, prayer strengthens your bond with your Creator.
2. Peace of Mind: Studies show that prayer can reduce anxiety and stress. When you share your worries with God, it can bring a sense of calm and comfort, allowing you to let go of your burdens.
3. Reflection and Clarity: Prayer gives us time to reflect on our thoughts and feelings. It helps us gain perspective, making it easier to understand ourselves and our lives.
4. Community Connection: When we pray for others, it creates a sense of community. This intercessory prayer can unite people, showing that we care about one another’s well-being.
5. Transformative Power: Prayer is often a tool for personal change. When we pray, we invite God to transform our hearts and minds, leading us to become better versions of ourselves.
6. Guidance and Wisdom: Many believers use prayer to seek guidance in difficult situations. It opens our hearts to the possibilities and wisdom that God may provide.
7. Spiritual Growth: Regular prayer helps us grow spiritually. It encourages us to develop virtues like patience, humility, and love, which enrich our lives and relationships.
8. Faith Strengthening: The act of praying reinforces our faith. Each time we pray and see answers, it builds trust in God’s presence and power in our lives.
9. Gratitude Expression: Prayer allows us to express gratitude. Recognizing and thanking God for His blessings fosters a grateful heart, which can change our outlook on life.
10. Focus and Mindfulness: Prayer provides a space to still our minds. It helps us focus on what truly matters and brings awareness to our thoughts and actions.
11. Coping Mechanism: During tough times, prayer can be a powerful coping mechanism. It provides a sense of hope and a way to express frustration or sadness.
12. Interconnectedness of Creation: When we pray for the world, we acknowledge our interconnectedness with all creation. This expands our heart to care for people and places beyond our immediate surroundings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prayer is a powerful tool for Christians. It helps us connect with God, find peace, and seek guidance in our lives. Through prayer, we express our gratitude, share our worries, and ask for support for ourselves and others. Prayer also reminds us that we are never alone. By making prayer a regular part of our lives, we deepen our relationship with God and grow in faith. So, let us pray with open hearts and trust that God hears us every time we speak.

Common Questions Related to Why To We Pray What Is The Purpose Of Prayer

Q. Why do we pray?
A. We pray to communicate with God. It’s like talking to a friend. We share our thoughts, feelings, and needs with Him.

Q. What is the main purpose of prayer?
A. The main purpose of prayer is to build our relationship with God. It helps us grow closer to Him and understand His will for our lives.

Q. Does God hear all our prayers?
A. Yes, God hears all our prayers. He wants us to come to Him honestly and openly, and He listens to every word we say.

Q. Can prayer change things?
A. Yes, prayer can change things. It can change our hearts, our situations, and even the hearts of others. God can work through our prayers.

Q. Why should we pray if God already knows everything?
A. We pray because it helps us express our hopes and worries. Even though God knows what we need, prayer is our way of trusting Him and sharing our lives with Him.

Q. Is it okay to ask for things in prayer?
A. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to ask for things in prayer. We can ask for help, guidance, healing, and anything else we need. God loves to help us.

Q. How does prayer help us during tough times?
A. Prayer helps us feel less alone during tough times. It gives us comfort and peace, reminding us that God is with us and cares for us.

Q. Should we pray silently or out loud?
A. You can pray either silently or out loud. What matters is the intention of your heart. Pray in a way that feels comfortable and sincere to you.

Q. Can kids pray too?
A. Absolutely! Kids can pray just like adults. God loves their simple and honest prayers, and it helps them learn and grow in their faith.

Q. What if I don’t know how to pray?
A. It’s okay if you don’t know how to pray! You can start with simple sentences or even just talk to God like you would to a friend. There’s no right or wrong way to pray.