The Why's of Prayer

​Why is prayer so important? Prayer is the foundation for your intimacy with God. Dr. Charles Stanley said, "It’s your intimacy with God that determines the impact of your life.” Prayer is getting done in the natural life what is already ordained in the supernatural. Ravi Zacharias said, “What Is Prayer?” Prayer is not seeking to change the will of God; it is communion with the living God such that He will change you to have the ability to receive what it is that He has for you.”
It is purposeful—Prayer aligns us with God’s will, shows us what to do, gives us inspiration to do it, and finally gives us peace and patience to wait on God.
Psalm 5:3—"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
Acts 4:31—"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
It prepares us—to live confidently in our relationship with God.
John 17:26—"And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Psalm 19:14—"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
It is the promise of God’s Love—God loves us so much that He works everything to our good; and through prayer, He gives us the connection, strength, and wisdom we need to best maneuver in this life.
Luke 11:13—"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
Psalm 89:11—" The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.”
It is about perspective—gives us a heavenly perspective, The Holy Spirit helps us pray in accordance with God’s will, changes our thinking, and aligns our attitudes and actions to God.
It is about enjoying God’s Presence--
Psalm 145:18—"The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
It is about practicing Our Faith--
Psalm 143:1—"Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.”
It is about parting ways with sin—Empowers us to walk away from personal wants and personal conflicts.
1 John 1:9—"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
It is about divine protection—God gives us special protection when we are aligned with Him through prayer.
Psalm 18:6—"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”
Psalm 118:5—"I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.”
Matthew 26:41—"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
It is trusting God for provision--
Matthew 6:11—"Give us this day our daily bread.”
It is the invitation to present your needs--
Hebrews 4:16—"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
It is personal—It is between you and God, but also as you intercede for others, even when they are unaware of your prayers for them, your personal relationship with them is strengthened and focused in the right direction.
It is a partnership with the Holy Spirit--
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.”
It is a partnership with other believers--
Matthew 18:20—"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
The power of praying for others--
James 5:14-15—"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
Matthew 5:44—"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Job 42:10—"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
There are many reasons to get serious in your prayer life this year.  Number one being your relationship with God. Remember that it is only when we are aligned with God through prayer that we have the power of heaven on our side.