The Reason We Pray

When was the last time you prayed?  

I'm not trying to make you feel bad if it's been a while. 

Did it come after you tried everything you could do and started feeling as though you had reached the end of your rope, that whatever you were praying for had finally felt out of your control?

If so, you are not alone.  Most of us do this.  It might even come after we have started to doubt ourselves or feel as though we can't do anything right or there is something wrong with us, such that we are in a situation that requires prayer. 

Far too few of us actually begin our approach to challenges we face by pausing and praying.  

And then some of us start feeling as if we'd just been a better person, had more wisdom, or could change our circumstances, and we wouldn't need to bother God with our problems. 

But prayer is much more than an act of desperation.  Let me explain.  

Prayer is not merely a ritual but a profound conversation that connects us deeply with God and aligns our hearts with divine purposes. It opens a pathway to express our hopes, fears, and desires while hearing the encouragement we desperately need. 

In his book "Prayer," Philip Yancey beautifully articulates this connection: "The act of prayer is a way of tuning our hearts to God’s.” This simple yet profound truth encapsulates one of the fundamental aspects of prayer. 

When we pray, we articulate our struggles, dreams, and aspirations, often hearing ourselves voice the words that resonate with God's intentions. In these moments, we can shift our perspective, replacing the chatter of negativity with affirmations of hope and love.

Prayer can change our thoughts and inspire actions that impact our world. Turning our hearts towards God can motivate us to embody the change we envision. 

In Becoming The Answer To Our Prayers, Shane Claiborne emphasizes this sentiment: 

“God is looking for people to pray. When we pray, we join God in His work. Prayer awakens us to our own calling.” 

This quote challenges us to understand prayer as a way to seek personal comfort and a call to action. When we pray, we cannot help but be stirred by compassion and a sense of responsibility towards our neighbors and the broader community.

A rich biblical passage that embodies the power of prayer is Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:6-7, which reminds us: 

“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.” 

This scripture underscores the transformative potential of prayer to counter anxiety and foster peace. It invites us to approach God candidly, reassuring us that our conversations with God can lead to a gentle peace in our hearts, empowering us to project positivity in our daily lives.

As we embrace the practice of prayer, let's challenge ourselves to make it a daily habit. Set aside time each day for this vital conversation with God. Speak your truth, share your fears, and listen—be attentive to the insights that may come. 

Allow your prayers to be a comfort and a call to service, opening your heart to ways to act upon the visions God has placed within you.

We can transform our lives and the world in this sacred prayer space. Embrace it, and allow God's voice to guide you into a deeper connection and purpose. 

Beloved, your call to action awaits—so pray, listen, and let your life reflect the change you wish to see in the world.

May you embrace it and find hope, imagination, and a way forward.  And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all now and forever.  Amen.