Why should we pray?

by Pastor John E. Dubler
www.johndubler.com

“Why should I pray anyway, isn't everything already pre-determined?”

Some time ago a man approached me with these words: "I don't pray anymore. Prayer is pointless. God has already determined what is going to happen and we can't change anything by praying."

This poor fellow had hopelessly confused the sovereignty of God over all the affairs of men and nations, with God's will and command that we pray for each other, for nations and for those in authority.

After all, if prayer was really pointless, then why did Jesus get away by Himself, far from the crowds and noise, and pray? The answer can be found by asking another question: "What is prayer?" Before I give you the answer, think about how you would answer that question. In the mean time, here are some things prayer is NOT:

Prayer is not a show of words. God can "hear" even your thoughts.
Prayer is not an excuse to show how holy we might think we are. God knows our character.
Prayer is not a fancy way to forward your agenda with men or God. God knows what we need even before we ask.
Prayer is not a way to guarantee that we will get what we want. God will hear the prayer of any believer, but He may say "no" to your request.
Prayer is not a way to bind God into being our heavenly errand boy. God is not a man and He is not obliged to any man no matter how much man thinks he has done for God.

So what is prayer, and why did Jesus pray?

Prayer is fellowship with God. This is the primary and most important reason for prayer.

No matter what way you slice it, whether we are praying for others (intercession), for ourselves (petition), or whether we have nothing to ask but that God would hear our heartfelt thanks and praise, prayer is being with God. Jesus, being one with the Father, was fellowshipping with God when He prayed.

Would you like to spend time talking with God? If so, wait no longer; He has invited you to be His guest. Find a quiet spot, put off all your "urgent" matters and start talking with the King of Kings. Just speak to Him as you would a greatly respected friend. And then listen for a while. He will start speaking back to you in the depth of your heart.
Speaking of His invitation to you, Here it is: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28).