INTRODUCTION
Prayer is one of the most fundamental aspects of the Christian faith. It is a powerful way to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and draw closer to Him.
When God created the earth, He made man the overseer and granted him authority over everything on earth. Whenever God wants to do anything on earth, man has to allow Him first, and prayer is one of the principal ways we permit God to enforce His will on earth. When you pray, you allow God into your space.
Today, we will explore twelve scriptural reasons why prayer is not an option for a Christian, but a must.
- God commands us to pray: In Matthew 26:41 NKJV, Jesus says, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” As Christians, we are called to obey God’s commands, including the command to pray.
- Prayer strengthens your relationship with God: In James 4:8a ISV, James encourages us to “Come close to God, and He will come close to you.” Prayer is a powerful way to draw nearer to God and deepen your relationship with Him.
- Prayer is an avenue to express your love for God: Jesus says, “You are to love the Lord Yahweh, your God, with a passionate heart, from the depths of your soul, with your every thought, and with all your strength. This is the great and supreme commandment.” Mark 12:30 TPT. Prayer is a way to express your love for God and demonstrate your devotion to Him. Prayer makes you more fervent in your dedication to God.
- Prayer is a way to seek God’s guidance: Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prayer is a way to seek God’s guidance and wisdom as you navigate life’s challenges.
- Prayer makes you a recipient of God’s blessings: In Matthew 7:7 KJV, Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Prayer is a way to ask God for His blessings and provisions. When you ask the right way, you will receive.
- Prayer is a way to confess your sins and seek forgiveness: (1 John 1:9). Prayer is a means to open up to God concerning your shortcomings and weaknesses. You receive divine help and mercy when you confess and seek God’s forgiveness.
- Prayer helps you to intercede on behalf of others: (James 5:16). Prayer is a way to intercede on behalf of others and lift them before God. It is a way to involve God in other people’s lives and become part of their growth, blessings, and victory.
- Prayer strengthens you to overcome temptation: In Matthew 26:41 KJV, Jesus says, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Prayer is a way to overcome temptation and resist the devil. When you resist the devil, he will flee. (James 4:7).
- Prayer is a way to give thanks to God: (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Prayer helps you to remember all of God’s benefits, and appreciate Him for them.
- Prayer is an avenue to have a heart-to-heart talk with God about your concerns and needs: (Philippians 4:6). Prayer is a way to communicate and express your needs and desires to God, and it helps you know how God views your desires.
- Prayer is a way to receive healing: James 5:14-15 says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” Prayer is a way to receive spiritual, physical, and emotional healing. When you pray, you create an atmosphere where God can release His healing power and grace, not just for you but also for others.
- Prayer is a key to victorious living: If you want to overcome fear, doubt, addictions, and anything that wants to keep you in bondage, you must pray. Jesus shared this with His disciples when they were unable to cast out a demon from a young boy, “this kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29 WEB).
CONCLUSION
Just as a bullet is to a gun, prayer is to a believer. If you desire to safeguard your life and destiny from the schemes of the devil, it is imperative to pray as a child of God. It’s too risky not to pray.
Shalom.