WHAT THEN IS PRAYER AND WHY PRAY AT ALL?

Prayer is one of the most important and significant things in a Christian’s life. It teaches us one of the most essential and fundamental principle of the Christian life. Prayer teaches us not to rely on human intellect and human strength, even though they have their own place in our lives. Instead we have to learn to depend upon the LORD God Almighty, and to lean upon Him at all times, and in all situations. This is a lifelong lesson – a lesson in FAITH and OBEDIENCE – which shapes and strengthens our spiritual life, and its quality. This is the reason why the great reformer Martin Luther and Charles H. Spurgeon say thus about prayer.
– “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” – Martin Luther
– “I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach.” – Charles Spurgeon

In the light of the above words, we as Christians should be asking WHAT THEN IS PRAYER?* *WHY SHOULD WE PRAY? and HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY? These are questions that we should be asking more often than not. They help shape us and our spiritual life and fruitfulness. 

Some may reason “WHY PRAY AT ALL?” if the LORD God Almighty is Omniscient?
– Doesn’t the LORD Jesus know all what is going to happen in our lives?
– Does He not know all what we need?
– Can He not see all what is going to come upon us?
– Does He not know all who are planning and plotting against us?
– Will He not provide, protect and prosper us?
So then, “WHY PRAY AT ALL?”

Yes the LORD does know it all. As I understand Christian walk, and the need of prayer in our lives, this is what I have arrived at. Prayer is not so much about about God, as much as it is about us. Also, prayer is not a magic incantation, some mystical power, or a magical wand, that we can use to get whatever we want from God. It is good for us to learn that, we have absolutely no power whatsoever over God, nor the ability to compel God to do our bidding. The quicker we learn this, the better it is for us.

We will continue our meditation on prayer in the days to come. May the LORD help us to be people who earnestly and sincerely seek Him, His will, and His wisdom in prayer. Even so, the LORD help us.