The Importance of Prayer

Why we Pray:

One of the most important things in a Christian's life is prayer.  It is imperative that a Christian prays everyday.  Prayer is not just a way to ask for things.  Prayer is so much more.  Prayer is what keeps us in close contact with God.  Prayer strengthens us, helps us resist temptation.  We need to praise God everyday, not just talk to Him when we need something. God wants a person relationship with us, He is not Santa Claus.

When to Pray:

There is no set time or amount of time that Christians are supposed to pray.  Most of us were raised to pray before our meals and before we go to bed.  I do believe that any prayer is good, but if prayer is nothing more than a ritual, it is really just wasted words.  God wants us to pray because we want to pray, not because it is a specific time.  The Bible says in I Thessalonians 5:17 to "Pray without ceasing."  Now, this doesn't mean to quit your job, skip school and never leave your house.  This just means to make it a point to have God on your mind throughout your day.  Talk to God while you are driving, while you are eating lunch. when you are walking to the break room or cafeteria.  Just silently acknowledge him.  Thank Him for the beautiful world He created.  Thank Him that you didn't have a wreck when that car ran a red light.  Thank Him for your job, your boss, your family. I do believe that it is important and beneficial for a Christian to pray every morning, preferably before doing anything else.  This habit will give you strength for the rest of your day, will help set the tone of the day, and is a good time to thank Him for his blessings.

How to Pray:

I have heard so many young people say, "But I don't know how to pray."  Praying is as simple as talking to your best friend.  You don't have to use big words or speak poetically.  God is not impressed by words.  Talk to Him like you talk to your best friend. You should start your prayer by worshiping Him, or praising Him.  "God you good."  "God you are merciful."  or simply "God I love you."  Next, you should pray some unselfish prayers, prayers for others.  Pray for your family to be saved.  Pray for the family down the street who can't make their house payment.  Pray for the sick, the lost, the lonely.  Pray for your own needs last, but when you do, acknowledge that He knows what's best for you and you accept His will over your own.  In other words, if you are praying for your boyfriend to propose to you, acknowledge that this may not be what God wants for you and praise Him anyway.  God knows all things and always has your best interest in mind.  He knows if maybe this boyfriend is not the one for you, or maybe He just knows that neither of you are quite ready for marriage yet.  Trust Him.  God always answers our prayers, but sometimes not in the way we want Him to, or not in the time frame when expected.  There are no rules for praying, the important thing is to mean what you say.  James 5:16 says that, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  What does this mean?  It means that a productive prayer, a prayer that makes a difference, or changes things, are the prayers that we are passionate or enthusiastic about. 

Summary:

There is no right or wrong way to pray.  There are no rules about when to pray, how long to pray or what we say.  The key is, to pray consistently and from our hearts.  The best way to learn how to do something is by doing it.  The more you pray, the more comfortable you will be with doing it. If you really just cannot think of what to say it may be helpful to read The Lord's Prayer (Luke 11) or one of the Psalms and think about how you can put it into your own words, and then ask God to help you learn to pray effectively.

When do you like to pray?  Please leave a comment below.