Why Pray?

“I exhort (admonish, urge) first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” 1 Timothy 2:1. Why is prayer needful, doesn’t God already know the needs, and can’t He move to address them sovereignly? First of all, prayer is a part of our relationship with God, through which we communicate with Him. Secondly, the way He works in this earth today is through us, His children. Thirdly, the world is presently under the sway of the evil prince and his rulers of darkness (John 14:30; Ephesians 6:12), and we push back his powers by opening channels through which God and the Holy Spirit works (one example of this is Daniel fasting and praying for 21 days, Daniel 10:2-3, 10-13). Fourthly, God’s sovereign reign will not be fully enacted on this earth until Jesus sets up His earthly kingdom. God has always needed a man to work through: when He would save the race from extinction He needed a Noah; when He would choose a nation for Himself He needed a Abraham; when He would deliver His people from bondage He needed a Moses; when He would bring the Savior into the world He needed a Mary; and when He would move in earth situations today He needs you and me, “For we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Prayer may not always be all that is needed: sometimes it must also be supplemented by actions, but not the other way around!

Pray for your family every day of the week,

And for help with their problems you won’t have to seek.

Pray for your friend who stands by your side,

And with you that friend will always abide.

Pray for your song leader as you sing,

God’s blessing from above this will bring.

Pray for your pastor as a message he gives,

Then within your heart the work of God lives.

And each hour of the day the sun shines from above,

Keep praying always and giving others God’s love.

Pray for those you don’t even know,

Wherever you are wherever you go.

When prayers are flowing all around free,

You feel so good and God’s power you will see.