Maybe you’re a new Christian, or simply just curious where the “tradition” of praying started. Why do we pray a blessing for our food? Why do we pray when a loved one is sick? Let’s talk about it!
Why do we pray?
- Because Jesus tells us to. In Matthew chapter 6 (starting in verse 9) Jesus gives us an example, or model of how to pray. Again in Mark 11:24 he says, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Even in the Old Testament people prayed, I am only giving New Testament scripture references for this blog post. But there are so many examples throughout the Bible for us to follow of people crying out to God for help, peace, protection, etc. And just as many examples of answered prayers.
- Because Jesus prayed. In Matthew 14:23 we see Jesus himself getting alone and praying to his father. “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” He is my ultimate example, and if he needed time alone to talk with God, surely I do as well! When is the last time you truly spent some time talking with your Heavenly Father?
- Because Jesus prays for us, also! John 14:16 says “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” and John 17:9 says “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” Jesus prays for Christians. He is right now on the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. He takes our cries that are pitiful, sometimes wordless sobs and carries them directly to God FOR US. Oh what a savior!
- Because our prayers are precious to Him. He keeps our prayers in heaven in golden vials. (Revelation 5:8) He longs to hear from us. He wants to help us live this life, and if we are his children, we should cry out to him! Matthew 7:11 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
