The Importance of Prayer

Prayer is vital. 

Our guess is most of you reading this post believe that statement. This week, we are reminding ourselves why.  

"Whatever you accomplish in life, you'll have to accomplish on your knees." 

Charles Stanley

First, prayer is connection to God. Prayer is how we connect to the Source: the source of power, the source of joy, the source of wisdom, the source of unconditional love. 

“There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy.”

Psalm 43:4 NLT

God answers prayer, and need is often what drives us to our knees in prayer. But, if we just focus on “results” we miss out because we can forget what an incredible privilege we have in coming into the Presence of the creator of the universe, of OUR creator, who holds all things in his hands. We also forget what a tremendous sacrifice was made to make it possible for us to approach God: Jesus had to suffer and die. 

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:1 

This prayer connection is how we communicate with God. We can ask God for what we need, confess our sins, express our frustrations and fears, share our joys and bear our hearts. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-7

"This is the heart of what prayer is all about. It is not just about asking for things; it is about seeking God’s face and enjoying ‘sweet communion with him’."

Nicky Gumbel 

Second, change. God changes our hearts when we pray in surrender to his will. We spend time in prayer and we come away changed. Prayer is transformational. 

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”

Romans 12:2

Spending time in prayer, in Scripture, and still before God renews our minds and transforms the way we think. It changes us. 

Third, clarity. Prayer is clarifying–for priorities, for paths to follow, for what we prize. 

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Proverbs 3:6

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”

Psalm 37:5

This week we commit everything to the Lord in prayer, seeking connection, change, and clarity. 

AMEN