Why Should You Pray?
(2nd in a series about Prayer)
By Liz Shrieve
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
For so long I saw prayer as a task, much like taking out the trash: It was something that had to be done even if I did not necessarily want to do it. I was good at praying. Ask me to pray, and I had all of the right words; yet, in my heart, it was merely a script that I practiced and not an earnest outpouring of my heart to the Lord. So I decided to learn more about prayer and why we should pray.
Prayer is a priority.
I now realize that I was failing to give God priority. Although the Lord is always with you and me, sometimes it takes setting aside time away from the business of the world to hear Him clearly. You and I must trust that the Lord is near, that He hears us, and then believe that in His timing He will reveal things to us.
Prayer is an act of obedience.
God’s Word calls us to pray. Colossians 4:2 says to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Jesus also modeled prayer for us throughout the New Testament. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16) Prayer reminds us that God is in control, not us. So humble yourself before God, our Father, and release control by praying. (Matthew 18:4)
Prayer is always available to us.
Someone once described prayer to me as a link between Heaven and the world. It is as if God is reaching for us, and we are reaching for Him; and, when we pray, the two can touch. Prayer is always available to you. Prayer should not be the last resort but your first response. Nothing can keep you from approaching God in prayer except your own choices, so you must prioritize praying.
In the days when I cannot bring myself to prioritize praying, I remember the four G’s of why I should pray:
1. To give devotion to God
2. To gain delight in who God is
3. To get direction from God
4. To grow more like Him.
This week I challenge you to prioritize your praying and see how God speaks to you as you give, gain, get and grow!
Liz Shrieve is a full-time student at Moody Bible Institute and part-time LCC staff member. In her free time, you will often catch her at a coffee shop, soaking up sunshine rays on the river, traveling, or finding something to laugh about.