A prayer is a conversation between us and God, who is close to us, listens to us and loves us very much.
In this post, we will address some foundational questions about the prayer life such as why do christians have to pray? What are the different types of prayers? And how do we connect with God in our prayers? We will do it in light of the inspired word of God.
Why do christians have to pray?
To live a life of prayer means that you are devoted to it, and that prayer has become a habit as simple as breathing. A believer with a successful prayer life is someone who runs to God without ceasing in all circumstances. Living a spiritual life without praying is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.
There are many reasons as to why we need to pray continually as christians. Some of the most important reasons are the following:
Praying is a command from God. One key reason to pray is because God has commanded us to pray. If we are to be obedient to His will, then prayer must be part of our life in Him. Prayer is an act of obedience. God calls us to pray, and we must respond.
1 Thessalonians reminds us to ‘pray without ceasing’ and Colossians 4:2 says ‘devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.’
Prayers glorify our Father. As Jesus was announcing his imminent death and ascension to Heaven, He gave a wonderful promise to His disciples that if in our prayers we ask in His name, He will do whatever we ask so that the Father may be glorified in His Son. (John 14:12-14). This verse is absolute evidence that our prayers glorify our Father in Jesus Christ.
Prayers are pleasing to God. God is pleased by the prayers of the upright but detests the sacrifices of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8).
Prayers protect us. Prayers keep us from falling into temptations of our enemy, the devil. (Matthew 26:41 and Mark 14:38). Physical strength cannot help us overcome obstacles in the spiritual realm, but prayer certainly does (Ephesians 6:12).
Prayers enable us to receive God’s blessings. Prayers allow us to receive the abundance of good things God wants to give us as His children. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus encourages us to ask, to seek and knock and we shall receive our blessings from our Father.
Prayers help us to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus’ life on earth teaches us to pray in all circumstances. He prayed at night and sometimes throughout the whole night. He prayed very early in the morning. He sometimes withdrew in solitary places to have a good time to pray when life was getting busy, etc. We should follow His example to lead a prayerful life.
Prayers enable us to receive revelation from God. In His word, God promised us that when we invoke Him in prayers, He will reveal to us great and unsearchable things that we do not know (Jeremiah 33:3)
What are the different types of Prayers?
- Pray to worship God: Contemplate and tell God who He is according to His word. God is love, He is kind and generous, wonderful, merciful, compassionate and faithful.
- Pray to Praise God: Proclaim God’s deeds and glorify Him. Nehemiah 9:6 outlines that God made heavens, the earth and all that is on it. He gave life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship Him.
- Pray for Thanksgiving: Give thanks to God for everything He has done for us and others; for what He allows in our life and in the lives of others; for what He promises in our lives.
- Pray to Confess sins: In 1 John 1:9 we learn that If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Pray to intercede: We also pray to God for requests that do not concern us directly like praying for our friends and family members, the country, the local church, ministries, the conversion of souls, etc.
- Pray to Request / Ask God to help you: We ask God for anything we need, because He is our Father, as long it is aligned with His will.
How do we connect with God in our prayers?
The bible says in 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Jesus Christ. In this passage, we are reminded that for everything we ask God, we must connect and present it in the name of Jesus Christ, our unique mediator with God. It’s only through Jesus that we have received our salvation (Acts 4:12) and all our spiritual blessings are given through Him (Ephesians 1:3-14). Also, it’s important to note God’s warning to us to not bow down and worship any other god. Only Him our creator and loving Father deserves our worship and praise (Exodus 20:3-6). Additionally, John 4:24 exhorts us to worship God in Spirit and Truth because our God is Spirit.
What a great privilege to know that God listens and cares about our prayers! Connecting with God’s presence through prayer provides numerous benefits for our spiritual and emotional well-being. Experiencing a true prayer life requires continuous practice and discipline, but the benefits are worth the effort. Let’s pray to our God and live in victory! Be blessed!.
