All throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, he prayed (Heb 5:7). He often retreated from the crowds (Luke 6:12), got up early in the mornings (Mark 1:35), and even spent his final night before his death in prayer (Matt 26:39). He modeled it for all believers, and as imitators of Him, we ought to do it ourselves. The second reason is because God’s word commands us to do so. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” This same verse also tells us the third reason which is that prayer demonstrates our dependence on the Lord. It is humble admonition of our weakness and need for His supernatural strength and intervention in our daily lives. We ought not to be anxious, but “cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1Peter 5:7).” The fourth reason is it is the vehicle by which God provides for our needs and the needs of others. Matt 7:7-12 states, “ask and it will be given to you,” and just as an earthly father gives good gifts to His children, God is our “Father who is in heaven” who gives “what is good to those who ask Him.” Fifthly, prayer is how we approach God’s throne. It is the means by which a Christian has direct access to God. 1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
Post by Pauline Chung