Why is Prayer Important?
Many of us grew up with our parents reminding us, “Make sure to say your prayers.” Others may have never been encouraged to pray, but have heard that people do as an important part of their day. Either case can lead us to ask the question, Why is prayer important?
First, it’s important to know that it is okay to ask questions. In fact, asking questions is one of the most important parts of personal growth because it is how we learn. Keep reading and in the end, if you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
Watch Evangelist Jason Koch D’Ambrosio teach our Did You Know segment titled “Why is prayer important?”
Reason #1 why is prayer important? – Closeness to God
Why is prayer important? One of the major misconceptions about God is that He is some Being far far away just sitting on a throne in Heaven watching us from a distance. That couldn’t be further from the truth. God wants you to know that He is always close by and available.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18,19
Why is prayer important? Because it helps us grow closer to God. At its core, praying is simply a conversation. Think about your own earthly connections with family and friends. Great communication leads to strong relationships.
Imagine if your best friend called you just once a year or your significant other only communicated when they really needed something. How close would that relationship be? Not talking is a poor strategy for developing a close relationship for many reasons. Unfortunately, sometimes we can be that type of “best friend” or “significant other” to God.
Do you want to be closer to God? Pray. Talk to Him!
The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Reason #2 why prayer is important – We gain perspective
Why is prayer important? Prayer opens the door to greater understanding. One of the reasons that this is true is, through prayer, we acknowledge a higher power than ourselves. That is a big step. We as humans don’t have all the answers. Recognizing this fact helps us set aside our emotions and seek the truth. The two can be very different.
Second, praying allows us to confront areas of our life where we need help. Let’s be honest, we tend to bury the tough stuff. When we pray, we bring our circumstances before the only one that can truly help us. God knows everything, therefore there is no-one more qualified in our time of need to provide a solution. When is your time of need? Now. No-one reading this doesn’t have needs. God can help.
Whether you are in a good place but need direction or things feel hopeless, remember that God makes the impossible possible.
Have a tough question? Ask God!
Here are some scriptures to consider on why is prayer important for gaining perspective.
If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
Reason #3 why is prayer important – It’s the example Jesus set
Why is prayer important? Look at Jesus . He prayed often. It was because even He, in His earthly body, needed to be connected daily with the Father to stay strong enough to accomplish what He needed to do on this earth. You may not be called to be nailed to a cross, but you are made to do great things. That will require strength.
Just as Jesus drew strength from prayer to complete His mission on earth, so should you. Do you realize that you are here for a purpose? You are. Prayer is important because it is a source of strength, wisdom, and guidance. Jesus prayed and encouraged us to pray. The life of an effective Christian starts with prayer.
Scriptures to consider how Jesus showed us that prayer is important.
Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Luke 6:22
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
John 18:1
Don’t give up. Pray instead.
Reason #4 why is prayer important – It works
Why is prayer important? God hears us when we pray. Not only does He hear us, but from His infinite wisdom intercedes in our lives. We may not always understand what is going on right away, but God is faithful to answer, strengthen, and protect us. Trust Him. He promises to be attentive to our needs in His Word, most certainly to those who seek Him in prayer. When you start seeking God you understand that He will provide a way no matter how difficult the circumstance.
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Luke 11:9-13
And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him.
1 John 5:15
Why is prayer important? Prayer is effective for so many reasons. It is by praying that we petition God for ourselves and others. Know that when you pray, God is listening. You are not alone. At Sound of Heaven, we are a praying church because we know that God answers prayers.
Make a commitment today to introduce prayer as part of your life. Stay connected with us. We are praying for you.
So where should you start from here?
Like the adage says, a journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. If it’s been a while since you really prayed, start like you would if you hadn’t talked to someone in a very long time and decided to give them a call.
Imagine that this person was ecstatic to hear from you. Think as if they had always kept their phone full charged, the ringer volume on max level, just waiting for the day you decided to give them a call.
This analogy is fitting because God is not angry with you. He will be ecstatic to hear from you. You’ll soon realize that God has always been there, waiting for you. There have actually been times that He has been calling you but maybe you didn’t hear Him. Nonetheless, you will find Him welcoming.
Invite Him into your life…
Why is prayer important? God wants to walk with you every day and you with Him. Start that journey today. Maybe your prayer today is one where you let God know that you desire to acknowledge Him more in your life. That begins with accepting the gift He offered through Jesus.
Here is a suggestion. You can pray this or put it in your own words.
“God, I need you. I know I haven’t made it a priority to follow You as I should. Help me to do better. I thank you that Jesus died and rose from the dead for me and everyone else. I put my life in Your Hands. Guide me. Help me, Lord. I thank You. I trust You. In Jesus Name I pray.”
Take a deep breath. Smile. Know that God is with you. We hope you now know the answer to why is prayer important?
