Why does a Christian pray? Sometimes the devil and the world gets us down in the dumps and we become discouraged in the flesh. In times like these we need the grace of God even more and we need to connect with God and feel the presence of His Spirit in our hearts. God has given us the weapon of prayer to communicate with Him. I would like to look in the Scriptures and give us the reasons why we are to pray.
First of all it is a method for the Spirit to work in our lives.
Romans 8:[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Also, it shows our heart to God. It is how we communicate our heart to Him.
Romans 10:[1] Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Also, it is how we connect with our brothers and sisters. It shows our concern for those who labor in the work of God.
Rom.15:[30] Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
It allows us to take part in the work of the Lord though the work be hundreds of miles from our physical location and prayer helps those who labor.
2Corinthians 1:[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Prayer is a spiritual weapon and the war we are engaged in is a spiritual one. Our enemies are spiritual creatures.
Eph.6: [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
God communicates with us sometimes through circumstances. Most times He communicates with us through the preaching of His word. Sometimes He communicates to us through the reading and study of His word. Prayer is our means of communicating with God AND expressing our appreciation for what He has done for us and others.
It is a means to give our worries to God and receive the peace of God.
Phil.4:[6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
It is also how we acknowledge God is in control. God is our Master and He is in control. He can open doors which we cannot even begin to open. You might say you do not have an opportunity to speak to someone because of their coldness towards the things of God. If so, then take it to God and ask Him to open their heart and be watchful for the opening.
Colossians 4: [1] Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
[2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
[3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
It is a way to show our Christian love to the lost.
1Timothy 2: [1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
[2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
[4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
[7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
[8] I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Prayer being a spiritual act and having spiritual power has a purifying effect.
1Timothy 4: [1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
[3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
[4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
[5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
It is a means to show our forgiving spirit. People let us down sometimes and we need to let it go. We need to express our forgiveness for those brothers and sisters which fail us. It helps to cleanse us from discouragement and bitterness.
2Timothy 4: [16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
It shows our faith in God.
Phlm.1: [22] But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Paul said to get the room ready because your prayers for me to be released to you will be answered. Paul did not tell Philemon let’s wait and see what happens! He said get the room ready because I prayed for my release and it is going to happen.
Finally we pray for others because we are told to by the word of God.
1Thessalonians 5: [25] Brethren, pray for us.